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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV)
Rejoice is a verb; an action word that means "to show great joy or delight." It comes as a command from the Apostle Paul, who later in this same chapter will talk about his joy even in the midst of what most of us would call joyless situations. He knew the secret to rejoicing is no secret at all, but to know the Lord Jesus Christ. And it's so important, he said it twice! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" You and I have heard the expression that some Christians are so sour, it seems they were baptized in lemon juice. Ouch! Is that you? It shouldn't be! You and I know the source of all joy and that is God; and to know that God loves us and walks with us should be enough to say that what Paul is commanding is possible and needful for any life: Rejoice times two!
Paul's attitude was that Christ was near. He had seen the Risen Christ in his encounter with Jesus, and so he knew Jesus was real and alive and nearby. He stresses that in the verses that follow his command to rejoice. His presence should be enough to dispel our anxiety about anything; knowing that prayer is connecting with Him and His power and might. Paul knew more about Jesus through prayer, and so he knew and trusted the power of prayer. He knew that as we pray we can petition, or ask, what it is we believe we need, but to do so with thanksgiving. And the end result will always be the gift of God's peace even in the midst of what we think overcomes us. God's peace will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. What more could we need?
PRAYER: Come, peace of God to this heart and mind. Guard my heart and grant me peace. And this shall cause me to rejoice, and rejoice. Amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
