Rejoice… But in What?

(photo courtesy of Brittany Spear)

1 Thessalonians 5:16 states that we are to “Rejoice evermore”.

Rejoice evermore? What does that exactly mean? The dictionary defines “rejoice” as to feel joy or great delight, and “evermore” means always or forever. So this verse is stating that we are to feel joy or great delight always and forever!

But in what should we rejoice?

Some people rejoice over circumstances. Bringing a child into the world, getting a clean bill of health from the doctor, or having enough money to pay your bills on time are examples of wonderful circumstances, but those are not the things for which we should “rejoice evermore”.

Some people rejoice over certain situations. Getting a good grade on a test, losing pounds on a diet, or celebrating a birthday are certainly specific situations in which we can find happiness, but those also are not the things for which we should “rejoice evermore”.

Maybe rejoicing evermore should be directed toward non-material things such as the love of family and friends, and while we definitely find joy in such things, it’s not what the Bible tells us that is for what we should be rejoicing.

According to Philippians 4:4, we should “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Why the Lord? Let’s take a look at what the Scriptures tell us.

1. Rejoice in the Lord because He’s protective.
   1. “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” – Psalm 5:11
      1. God protects us from our own foolishness. He keeps us safe from even the things we do carelessly that can be detrimental or harmful to our well-being. He protects us from the spiritual forces of evil that we cannot see around us. So, whether physical, mental, or spiritual, God protects.
   2. Rejoice in the Lord because He is wise.
      1. “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.” – Psalm 104:24
      2. God’s wisdom comes from His Word. Whenever we need guidance, understanding, even conviction… anything we need… it can be found in the Word of God. The Bible is our manual for living a godly life, and it was written by the One who is wisdom.
   3. Rejoice in the Lord because He is unconditionally loving to us.
      1. “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3
      2. Unconditional love! Can you even fathom that? No matter what we’ve done… the sins we’ve committed, both intentionally and unintentionally, no matter where we’ve been in our lives, God remains faithful as our loving heavenly Father. He will never leave us nor forsake us… He’s promised that. Why? Because He loves us unconditionally. Wow!
   4. Rejoice in the Lord because He is also our teacher.
      1. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” – John 16:13
      2. There is no better teacher that the omniscient God! There is no doubt that there are many awesome teachers in this world, and perhaps like me, you can even recall those special teachers who made such positive differences in your life. However, the best teacher for all humanity has always been and will always be the Holy Spirit because He uses His Word to teach us. There is no limit to His knowledge; there is no error in His teaching; there is nothing He withholds for us when we seek His truth. He is the perfect teacher.
   5. Rejoice in the Lord because He is merciful.
      1. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8
      2. Mercy is defined as “withholding deserved punishment”. Because of God’s mercy, I will no longer be judged for my sins. When I prayed and asked Jesus to forgive me and become my Saviour, I became a recipient of the mercy of God. I will no longer face eternal punishment for my sins because Jesus, God’s beloved Son, took the punishment I deserved for my sins upon Himself when He was crucified on the cross. Salvation and eternal forgiveness for me through Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary is given because of God’s mercy.
   6. Rejoice in the Lord because He is gracious.
      1. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” – Ephesians 2:8
      2. Grace is said to be “giving that which is undeserved”. I don’t deserve to have my sins forgiven. I don’t deserve eternal life in heaven. I don’t deserve to be loved by a holy and perfect God. It is only because of God’s grace that I have all of these and more! It is only through His grace that I will one day see Him face-to-face in heaven! It is only through His grace that I can be His child. Hallelujah! I am redeemed by the grace of God!
   7. Rejoice in the Lord because He is God.
      1. “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.” – Deuteronomy 4:39
      2. Perhaps the greatest reason to rejoice in the Lord is simply because of who He is. The Creator of all things, the Sustainer of all things; the Saviour of the world! He alone deserves to be worshipped and praised because He alone is God, and He has chosen us to be His own! Now that is worth rejoicing evermore!

Rejoice, the Lord is King: Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

(from “Rejoice, the Lord is King” by Charles Wesley)

“And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” – Psalm 35:9

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Many thanks to my sweet friend, Barb Depew, who shared her thoughts with me on “Rejoicing in the Lord alway” and allowed me to expound on them in this writing.