“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Do you always feel like rejoicing?
Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. It’s a day of celebration. The King of kings has come. Our salvation has arrived. So, a passage like “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!” seems quite fitting for today.
Yet, there are times in our lives when we may not feel very joyful.
For example…2020…the entire year.
So, what is this passage saying? I’ve talked to people at funerals who have said something to the effect of,
“Pastor, I’m sorry I’m crying. I know I should be happy.”
Can I Be Sad?
Some people read passages like Philippians 4:4 and think it means that if we ever feel anything but happy we are sinning. That’s not what it’s saying.
Consider these passages:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” – John 16:22
“For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” – Ecclesiastes 1:18
“And he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.’” – Mark 14:34
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15
“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35
There is certainly a place for sorrow and mourning. These are emotions with which God has created us. So, yes, it’s OK to feel sad sometimes.
The Philippians 4 passage is reminding us, though, that our sorrow and mourning aren’t all-consuming. They don’t have the last word, Jesus does.
There is hope and a reason for joy, always.
When people were mourning in the church of the Thessalonians, Paul reminded them that we do not mourn as those have no hope. We know Christ defeated death. Psalm 30:5 reminds us that while sorrow may last the night, joy comes in the morning.
Let’s read the full paragraph of Philippians 4:4 and see how God positions the encouragement to rejoice in the fact that He cares for us, listens to our prayers, and gives us His peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:4-8
Tomorrow, let’s rejoice together that our King and Savior have come and even when we feel sad, let’s turn to the Lord and be reminded of the unending hope and peace we have in Jesus. His Joy comes in the morning!
Heaven Father,
Fill me with the joy of my salvation. When I am sad, comfort me and remind me that You are still there to bring me through. Help me, also, to remind others of the hope and peace You bring.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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