Deep Joy
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Key Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Selected Scripture: |
CHRISTIAN PEOPLE HAVE many things to be glad about, and the Apostle Paul exhorts the child of God to always be in the attitude of rejoicing. One of the most important things to be thankful for is the gift of God’s dear Son, our Lord Jesus, as a ransom sacrifice not only on our behalf but also on behalf of the whole human family. Many have not heard about this wonderful gift. But God will manifest his Son to the world during the future kingdom when all will receive the benefits of restitution of all that was lost because of sin.
Because of sin, all mankind were condemned to death, but because of Jesus’ willingness to leave his heavenly home, come to earth as a perfect man, to suffer and die for all mankind, all will have an opportunity for life in his future kingdom. Paul tells us “Be not anxious about anything: but in everything let your petitions be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6, Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott) Prayer is one of the special blessings accorded to the Christian believer. God hears the prayers of his people and is always alert to direct their lives in accordance with his holy will. The apostle writes about the peace of God and how it passes all understanding. Those who have experienced this peace and its outworking in their consecrated lives will experience much joy.
Continuing, the apostle admonishes the Lord’s people to think upon holy things that are uplifting and joyful. He says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8) He tells the brethren at Philippi that if they do the things they have learned from him in his service to them, they will have the peace of God.
The apostle shared many tender ties with the Philippian brethren, and was thankful for their care for him during times of hardship and stress. But, no matter in what position he found himself, he was always content to abide in God’s providential leadings. He says, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”—vs. 12
It was a wonderful service that Paul provided to the brethren at Philippi, and the admonitions of this epistle were encouraging and helpful to those he loved so much. Their appreciation is made known in their attempt to alleviate his suffering as a prisoner at Rome, as well as at other times of need. As Paul said, “It was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the Gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only.”—Phil. 4:14,15, New International Version
During the present harvesttime of the Gospel Age, the Lord’s people should continue in faith, trusting in the promises of God’s Word. We should heed the words of Paul: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”—vs. 13
Those who have this attitude of heart will have the most joy in the Lord!