Writing from prison, Paul told the brethren in Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). This instruction was so important that Paul repeated it. He also gave a similar command to the church in Thessalonica when he wrote, “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
Whenever we see a command like this, we ought to take note of it. We do not have the option to either rejoice or not rejoice depending on our circumstances. We are to “rejoice always.” The reason why this command must be given is because it is sometimes difficult or unnatural to rejoice in certain circumstances. Our lives here are filled with trials. Job lamented, “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil” (Job 14:1). The wise man noted the difficult nature of our existence here: “Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest” (Ecclesiastes 2:23). It is sometimes difficult to rejoice. But as Christians we must do so.
The instruction to “rejoice always” does not necessarily mean we must be happy all the time. Of course, I believe Christians generally should be happy most of the time, especially as we learn contentment and gratitude for the blessings that God has given us. But happiness, since it is an emotion, is not always appropriate. Sometimes a different emotion is demanded in a given situation. The wise man said there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Sometimes “it is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting” and “sorrow is better than laughter” (Ecclesiastes 7:2-3). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). There are even certain times, though limited, when anger is appropriate (Ephesians 4:26). There are times when we may not be happy, but we must find a way to rejoice even in these instances.
As Christians, there are several reasons that we can rejoice:
- When others rejoice – Paul told the Romans, “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). To do this, we must first learn to put the interests of others ahead of our own (Philippians 2:3-4) and be genuinely concerned about them. This is at the heart of our lives as Christians (cf. Matthew 22:39).
- When we are saved – After the Ethiopian eunuch heard Philip’s message and obeyed the gospel “the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). The eunuch did not mourn the fact that Philip was gone. He rejoiced that he was saved, showing that he understood what was truly important (cf. Matthew 16:26).
- The faithfulness of others – John wrote, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4). This is based upon the concern we should have for others as well as understanding what is truly important – not riches, health, or an easy life, but salvation.
- When sinners repent – Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep to teach of the joy produced when sinners repent. The shepherd rejoiced when he found his sheep and invited his friends to rejoice with him (Luke 15:5-6). Jesus then talked about the “joy in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7). Our attitude should be like the Lord’s – rejoice when people who had rejected and rebelled against the Lord turn back to Him.
- When brethren are united – Paul encouraged the brethren in Philippi, “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2). The psalmist said it was “good and…pleasant…for brothers to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). This is not an endorsement of “unity in diversity” – ignoring sin and error in order to maintain unity – but when brethren have true, Biblical unity, that is a cause to rejoice.
- When the truth is taught – Paul said that love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Paul rejoiced when the gospel was preached, regardless of the motives of the preacher (Philippians 1:18). People must hear and accept the truth to be saved (John 8:32; 2 Thessalonians 2:10), so it should cause us great joy when the truth is taught and others have the chance to accept the gospel.
- When we suffer for the cause of Christ – There are many passages that speak to this (2 Corinthians 7:4; Colossians 1:24; Hebrews 10:34; 1 Peter 4:12-16). This shows the certainty of suffering for Christ and the challenge of rejoicing in these instances. Peter said, “To the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing” (1 Peter 4:13). We can rejoice because these sufferings give us the chance to grow (James 1:2), be an example to others (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7), and be numbered with Christ (Acts 5:41).
- Our hope of heaven – This is the goal for which we are striving. Jesus told His disciples, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Even though these men were given the ability to perform miracles, Jesus said that there was something far more important – their salvation and the expectation of being in heaven.
With all the troubles and trials we face, we still have many reasons to rejoice. Instead of focusing on our struggles and risk allowing ourselves to become discouraged, let us focus on the blessings and promises of God. If we do this, we will be able to “rejoice in the Lord always.”
