Rejoice in the Lord always; and, again I say rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
The word always is pretty definitive. If something is done always; this infers that there isn't even the slightest opened window for lingering in sorrow on those bluest of days.
As I ponder the word always, I have to wrap my head around the fact that, even when one loses the love of his life without warning, according to this bible verse, he is told to rejoice.
According to this verse, we’re even expected to rejoice at the loss of a home, with all earthly possessions, to an out-of-control fire.
Seriously, what sense does it make to tell those in heart-wrenching grief to rejoice?
The answer is found in the next three words; “in the Lord”. This verse doesn’t tell us to rejoice in the loss of a loved one. Nor, does it tell us to rejoice when we lose everything we own.
No beloved, this very powerful verse tells believers to always rejoice in the Lord, and not the circumstances. The reason for this is because we know that God is Love; and, everything that happens has a Divine Purpose.
In scenarios of rejoicing in sorrow, I am always reminded of Job. He lost everything, yet his response honored Almighty God.
Job said, “Naked, I came into this world; and naked I shall return…The LORD giveth, and the LORD taketh away; blessed be the Name of the LORD (Job 1:21).
I perceive that it takes a person with a very deep-rooted faith in God to speak such words of faith. Most often such words flow from the lips of very mature saints, who have walked with God for years and observed firsthand how faithful He remains at every juncture. On the rarest occasions, a brand new believer will speak faith-filled words such as this; accepting God’s Word as the Truth that it is, without having to endure life-shattering trials. And when I say rare; I mean extremely rare.
God promises to never put more on His children than they can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). That’s a huge relief and reminder, as the enemy does all he possibly can to cause a believer to doubt and become overwhelmed with discouragement.
However, unlike satan, God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He has anything to repent of (Numbers 23:19). Of course, satan isn’t a man either. He’s a fallen angel who uses human elements of lies, deceit, and FUD, in an attempt to derail Christ followers, with a goal of winning them over to his team (Isaiah 14:12–14).
Throughout the Bible, we are told to use trials and tribulations as an opportunity for rejoicing. We are to rejoice and be glad in times when we are persecuted as the prophets of old; because, we God promises great heavenly rewards in the life to come (Matthew 5:12, Luke 6:23).
We learn that to the degree which we suffer for standing with, and professing our faith in Jesus, we are assured that on the day when His glory is revealed we will rejoice with voices of exultation (1 Peter 4:13).
And lastly, Jesus’ brother, James tells us to count every one of life’s many trials and temptations as an opportunity for joy; because, these tests strengthen our patient endurance for the journey (James 1:5).
While we rejoice in trials; we are to rejoice with those who rejoice, and sorrow with those who sorrow. That is to say that while we rejoice that we are considered worthy to suffer, as the prophets of old, for standing in support of Jesus; we must not stare someone who is clearly in grief mode, and shout, “REJOICE!” This is a sheer misuse and abuse of this rich verse.
When others mourn, we mourn with them. When others are going through sorrows, in prayers for their strength, we sorrow in our hearts with them. In like kind, we are to rejoice when others rejoice. When a person has a joyful occasion to share with you, don’t rain on their joy with a counter of sorrow (Romans 12:15).
It’s all perspective beloved. Worth repeating, when we receive persecution because we love Jesus and live for Him, we should rejoice, and not sorrow in our hearts. Instead, the sorrow should be for those who don’t know and love Him as you; and, pray that Father God, in His mercy and grace, will open their eyes and hearts so they may see.
Best regards.
Peace.