Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice in the Lord

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your meekness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” Phil. 4:4-5.

If our meekness is to be known, we need to be in difficulties, and difficulties do not give us feelings of joy. However, we read that the Lord is at hand! He has a plan with us. That must be our source of joy!

“Count it all joy when you fall into various temptations.” Temptation is not a goal for our joy, but joy is the result of it. We read further, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, but patience must lead to perfect works, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Jas. 1:2-4.

We must admit that this is a great result of being tempted, and we shall rejoice over this result. This is the Lord’s work with us. Therefore we can always rejoice in the Lord as clay can rejoice in the potter or gold in the goldsmith.

We can rejoice over all God’s blessings in our lives, but what is that compared to His work with us? A tramp would have good reason to rejoice greatly if you gave him some food, clothing, and a house; but what is that compared to re-educating the tramp to become a respectable citizen?

We experience feelings of joy when God heals us and answers our requests, but we have none of those feelings when He puts us in the crucible. However, then the Lord is at hand; He wants to do something with us—teach us to walk by faith, so our meekness can be known to all men. We receive a tested faith, a faith that shall be to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 1:6-7.

God has a great goal with us. Therefore we shall always rejoice in the Lord, even in our sorrow during temptation. We can do that, because we know God’s hidden wisdom which He has ordained before the ages for our glory. 1 Cor. 2:7.

Not knowing what to do in a trial reveals our imperfection. We lack something. This is exactly what God wants to give us. We read, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” The trials lead us to what we are lacking. Therefore we shall count it all joy. It is pure joy.

We have all received our crucible so that the Lord can make a vessel of us to His praise. Eph. 1:4-6. Are you satisfied with your crucible? Do you have this confidence in the goldsmith that you can rejoice in Him? The peace of God shall preserve our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. You will soon become discouraged and doubting if your heart and mind are in earthly things.

God wants to work with your person. He will make you a king and priest. You shall sit on a throne together with Jesus; therefore you must learn to judge in different matters. 1 Cor. 6:2-7. Your crucible is your schooling. Rejoice in the Lord always. He is at hand and is working with you.