Philippians 4:4-5
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
The Eternal joy of the Lord
The Greek word for rejoice in Philippians 4:4 is chaíro (χαίρω), which means more than just temporary happiness—it denotes an ongoing, deep-rooted joy that is not dictated by circumstances. This kind of joy is eternal because it originates from God Himself, not from fleeting worldly pleasures.
Many people experience moments of happiness when things go well, but true rejoicing in the Lord is not a one-day wonder—it is a continuous state of being. This joy comes from the Holy Spirit and is sustained by our relationship with God. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The joy of the Lord is meant to be permanent and overflowing.
Rejoicing is a witness to the world
Paul emphasises that our joy should be evident to all: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” This means that people around us should see the peace and joy that come from our relationship with Christ. Even in the face of trials, our joy should be unshaken, serving as a testimony to God’s sustaining grace. When we rejoice in the Lord always, we demonstrate to the world that our faith is real and that God is truly the source of our strength.
The Holy Spirit: The sustainer of joy
True and eternal rejoicing is impossible without the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” The joy that comes from the Holy Spirit is not dependent on circumstances but is a supernatural gift that remains even in suffering.
Consider the example of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25. After being beaten and imprisoned, instead of complaining, they sang hymns and rejoiced in the Lord. Their joy was not tied to their situation but to their unshakable faith in God. As a result, their rejoicing led to the miraculous opening of the prison doors and the salvation of the jailer and his family. This is a real-life demonstration of chaíro—a joy that transcends hardship.
Rejoice in all circumstances
Life will not always be easy. There will be challenges, disappointments, and trials. However, we have a choice: to dwell on our problems or to rejoice in the Lord. The Apostle James encourages us in James 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Why? Because our trials produce spiritual growth and endurance.
When we cultivate a lifestyle of rejoicing in the Lord, we experience peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7). The Holy Spirit enables us to maintain joy even when things seem bleak. He is our comforter and sustainer, constantly reminding us that our ultimate victory is in Christ.
Showcase your joy to the world
Rejoicing in the Lord should not be hidden—it should be evident to all. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our joy should draw others to Christ, showing them that true fulfillment is found only in Him.
No matter what you are going through today, choose to rejoice in the Lord. Let the world see His joy radiating from within you. When you live in the joy of the Lord, you are a living testimony of His goodness and faithfulness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the eternal joy that comes from knowing You. Help me to rejoice always, not based on my circumstances, but in Your unchanging goodness. Holy Spirit, sustain my joy and let it be a testimony to those around me. Teach me to find strength in Your presence and to glorify You with my rejoicing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses:
- Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
- Romans 15:13 – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – “Rejoice evermore.”
- Psalm 16:11 – “In thy presence is fulness of joy.”
- Habakkuk 3:17-18 – “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Rejoice in the Lord always, and let your joy be a light to the world!
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
30 March, 2025
Rejoice in the Lord always
Philippians 4:4-5
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
The Eternal joy of the Lord
The Greek word for rejoice in Philippians 4:4 is chaíro (χαίρω), which means more than just temporary happiness—it denotes an ongoing, deep-rooted joy that is not dictated by circumstances. This kind of joy is eternal because it originates from God Himself, not from fleeting worldly pleasures.
Many people experience moments of happiness when things go well, but true rejoicing in the Lord is not a one-day wonder—it is a continuous state of being. This joy comes from the Holy Spirit and is sustained by our relationship with God. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The joy of the Lord is meant to be permanent and overflowing.
Rejoicing is a witness to the world
Paul emphasises that our joy should be evident to all: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” This means that people around us should see the peace and joy that come from our relationship with Christ. Even in the face of trials, our joy should be unshaken, serving as a testimony to God’s sustaining grace. When we rejoice in the Lord always, we demonstrate to the world that our faith is real and that God is truly the source of our strength.
The Holy Spirit: The sustainer of joy
True and eternal rejoicing is impossible without the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” The joy that comes from the Holy Spirit is not dependent on circumstances but is a supernatural gift that remains even in suffering.
Consider the example of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25. After being beaten and imprisoned, instead of complaining, they sang hymns and rejoiced in the Lord. Their joy was not tied to their situation but to their unshakable faith in God. As a result, their rejoicing led to the miraculous opening of the prison doors and the salvation of the jailer and his family. This is a real-life demonstration of chaíro—a joy that transcends hardship.
Rejoice in all circumstances
Life will not always be easy. There will be challenges, disappointments, and trials. However, we have a choice: to dwell on our problems or to rejoice in the Lord. The Apostle James encourages us in James 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Why? Because our trials produce spiritual growth and endurance.
When we cultivate a lifestyle of rejoicing in the Lord, we experience peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7). The Holy Spirit enables us to maintain joy even when things seem bleak. He is our comforter and sustainer, constantly reminding us that our ultimate victory is in Christ.
Showcase your joy to the world
Rejoicing in the Lord should not be hidden—it should be evident to all. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our joy should draw others to Christ, showing them that true fulfillment is found only in Him.
No matter what you are going through today, choose to rejoice in the Lord. Let the world see His joy radiating from within you. When you live in the joy of the Lord, you are a living testimony of His goodness and faithfulness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the eternal joy that comes from knowing You. Help me to rejoice always, not based on my circumstances, but in Your unchanging goodness. Holy Spirit, sustain my joy and let it be a testimony to those around me. Teach me to find strength in Your presence and to glorify You with my rejoicing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses:
- Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
- Romans 15:13 – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – “Rejoice evermore.”
- Psalm 16:11 – “In thy presence is fulness of joy.”
- Habakkuk 3:17-18 – “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Rejoice in the Lord always, and let your joy be a light to the world!
