By Mac Deaver Via Bulletin Gold
In Phil. 4:4 Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always: again
I will say, Rejoice.” –But what are some circumstances that
call forth the joy of which Paul speaks?
We ought to rejoice in our salvation. After the Ethiopian
officer’s conversion, he went on his way rejoicing (Acts
8:39). After the seventy returned from their mission, Jesus
told them to rejoice that their names were written in heaven
(Lk. 10:20). If one’s sins are forgiven and his name is
written in the Lamb’s book of life, he certainly ought to
rejoice.
We ought to rejoice as we realize that God is in control of
Sometimes the catastrophic events
throughout the world cause us all great concern. But we
must not despair, realizing that God is aware of all, and is in
control of all. (Rom. 13:1-4; Isaiah 6:1l). And even if we
must suffer for right-doing, there is occasion for rejoicing
world affairs. (Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 2:20).
We ought to rejoice in the knowledge that all will work
out to the ultimate good of the faithful. “And we know that
to them that love God all things work together for good,
even to them that are called according to his purpose” (Rom.
8:28). All things revolve around the good of the church.
Paul also said, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil
work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom….” (2Tim. 4:18).
Indeed, the Christian has every reason to rejoice in the Lord.