- UNDERSTANDING REJOICING
Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!
- To rejoice is to express a state of gladness, elation, and joy.
- It may manifest in diverse expression from smiling, bursting in laughter, singing, dancing, praising, adoring God, bowing before our maker and creator, celebrating the faithfulness of God- Acts of Apostles 3:8; Psalm 85:6; Zephania 3:14.
- Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! – Zephania 3:14
- Rejoice surpasses materialistic happiness as children of God, it is subsume inside the joy that manifest in rejoicing- Psalm 97:12; Matt.5:12
- Rejoicing originates from heart and not mere verbal expression- Habakkuk 3:17-18; Isa. 29:13; Romans 12:12; II Cor.6:8
- WHAT MAKES REJOICING POSSIBLE
Having understood what rejoicing is, there are secrets that make it possible for children of God to be in state of rejoicing in God regardless of current/prevalent experiences:
- Because we perfectly understand the workings of God in our lives- Ephesians 2:10; Jeremiah 29:11; Habakkuk 3:18-19; Romans 8:28; Psalm 139:13-14; Jeremiah 1:5
- Because we have absolute confidence in the care of our God- Psalm 121:1-2; Psalm 23:4; John 10:28-29 Psalm 16:8; Isaiah 50:7
- Because of His unfailing and constant love for us- Lam.3:2-23; Psalm 89:2 “Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.”
Isaiah 50:7 (NIV): 7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me; I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
- CONSTANCY OF REJOICING IN GOD
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10: as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things
- Philippians 3:1- Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
- HOW TO KEY IN TO LIFE OF REJOICING
- Understanding and walking with the working of Holy Spirit- Gal.5:16
- Remaining in the love of Christ- Psalm 48:24
- Obedience to the instruction of the Lord…….