Strength In Rejoicing

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you…Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 3:1, 4:4; ESV)

Rejoicing in Trials

In the weeks leading up to—and out of Thanksgiving—I’ve been reflecting on the theme of rejoicing. In particular, I’ve been thinking about how Christians rejoice in the midst of difficult times. We all know that this has been a tough year. As a result, rejoicing doesn’t come naturally. 

As I reflected on rejoicing, I turned to Philippians. The book of Philippians is littered with the word “joy.” Yet, it was Philippians 4:4 that really jumped out at me. 

It’s a popular verse. Many people know it and quote it: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4; ESV). Paul even says "Rejoice” two times—very close together—to make sure we get the point. 

Reading In Context

Although this passage is popular, the context isn’t very well known. Take a moment to read the verses that come right beforehand: “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2, NIV). Paul is pleading with two women in the church to get along. Their disagreement was strong enough that the Apostle Paul felt the need to address it. Not only that, but the disagreement was strong enough that Paul called in a third party to help bring resolution: “Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:3, NIV). 

Rejoicing In Conflict

The words “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4; ESV) come in conflict and struggle. I believe Paul is still speaking to Euodia and Syntyche when he says this. He’s telling them they need to rejoice in the Lord—even during their conflict, even during their struggle.

This will not be easy for them. They may not want to do it. So, Paul says, “You may not want to rejoice in the Lord. You may want to ignore my command to rejoice in the Lord. So, I’m going to say it again. REJOICE!”

Calvin on Rejoicing in Conflict

John Calvin has some powerful words to say on this passage: 

“It is an exhortation suited to the times; for, as the condition of the pious was exceedingly troublous, and dangers threatened them on every side, it was possible that they might give way, overcome by grief or impatience. Hence he enjoins it upon them, that, amidst circumstances of hostility and disturbance, they should nevertheless rejoice in the Lord, as assuredly these spiritual consolations, by means of which the Lord refreshes and gladdens us, ought then most of all to show their efficacy when the whole world tempts us to despair.” (John Calvin, Commentaries on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, p. 116).

Strength In Rejoicing

Calvin reminds us how easy it is to fall into despair. We can easily look at the world and lose all hope. We can see all the troubles and dangers and threats, become overwhelmed, and give up. Or we can fall into the other trap of trying to fix everything ourselves, thinking, “If God isn’t going to do anything about this, I will!”

Yet Scripture gives us another way. We don’t crumble into despair and we don’t take things into our own hands. We rejoice. You may think that sounds foolish, ridiculous, even lazy. So, I’ll say it again. Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. 

Then, as we rejoice in the Lord, we find strength. That strength prevents us from giving up in despair because we are rejoicing in who God is and what He has done and is doing. And, since we are rejoicing IN THE LORD, we don’t take things into our own hands, but keep our eyes on the one in whom we rejoice. 

Then, as we rejoice and rest in our God, we continue to fight the good fight of faith in the world. But it’s important to remember that we don’t fight in despair—as a defeated army fights. We fight with JOY. Rejoice in the Lord always. I’ll say it again. REJOICE!