‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ (Philippians 4:4)

This is a very difficult instruction. Sometimes the Lord hides His face; or we fear and doubt His love; perhaps we are bewildered by the powerful working of sin’s corruption within us. We can be brought down by Satan’s dire temptations; and the dealings of providence are so perplexing at times, that we are ready to cry out, “Everything is against us!”

However, we are not instructed to rejoice in feelings and circumstances, but in the Lord. He has loved us with an everlasting love, and His love is guaranteed to be constant. He is our God in Jesus, and has promised to be all for us, to work for us, and to give us freely all that our circumstances require, or that will be for our good and His glory.

That means, in weakness we may rejoice in His power; in darkness we may rejoice that He knows our pathway; in sickness and sorrow, that He cares for us; and under any circumstances, in His covenant relationship, He remains our Father, Friend, and God.

Therefore, we should rejoice in His free grace, rich mercy, omnipotent power, faithful promises, special providence, and unchangeable love.

Rejoice in glorious hope!
Jesus the Judge shall come.
And take His servants up
To their eternal home:
We soon shall hear the archangel’s voice –
The trump of God shall sound, REJOICE.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘I often have much enjoyment in preaching the word, and some success attend my labours; but I want to see sinners flock in crowds to the Saviour, to see the Spirit poured out as on the day of Pentecost. O that God would speak! That He would put forth His power with the word, and cause the dead to hear.’