Happy Days
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rejoice!
I recently met a lady whose password is happy days. I became very curious to find out why such an unusual password, as I felt there was a story behind it. And truly, there was. This was her story!
She goes on to narrate how there was job insecurity in her workplace and so many people were going to be laid off. She thought surely that she must be one of them. She became anxious and apprehensive as a result, which led her to become irritable and complained about work all the time. According to her, she realized that her attitude to work had changed and she had become cynical. One day she just turned and looked at herself saying 'I am not this kind of person and I choose to be happy in this job even if I am going to be made redundant, hence the password 'happy days' to remind me of the promise I made to myself'. She subsequently came to work excited and guess what, a couple years have past and she is still working.
In Philippians 4:4, we see Paul writing to the church and people at the time saying 'Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice'. Rejoice always. Let your life be joyful always...and IN THE LORD. It is imperative to examine Paul's situation at the time of this letter to the Philippians. He was in bondage! He was in prison! Philippians 1:13-14 explains that - 'So that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear'. Think about this for a moment! Paul, a man in chains and bondage telling those who are free to rejoice. Paul, a man in prison telling those who are outside the prison to rejoice.
You see, it takes an understanding of who we are and our position in God to live a joyful life. For Paul though in prison, in chains, in a place of restriction and limitation said 'rejoice in the Lord, alway'. Notice the expression - 'in the Lord'. Rejoice because you are in Him. Rejoice because you know him. Rejoice because God is your father and He is in control. Also Paul said rejoice 'alway'. As Christians and children of God, our joy should be independent of our situation or circumstance. Our joy should be in every situation and despite any situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says 'Rejoice evermore'. Rejoice in season and out of season. Rejoice in summer and winter seasons of life.
Matthew 14:24-27 tells us about an encounter Jesus had with his disciples. His disciples were in a boat when the wind of the sea arose against them. “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” Jesus had approached their boat walking on the water and they were frightened, though in the terrible wind of life. But notice the very first word that came forth from the master: 'be of good cheer, it is I'. This is powerful indeed. “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” It takes faith in Him to rejoice and be of good cheer even in the terrible seasons of life. You see, that is the way our Heavenly Father will have us live. You know why? Because it will all come out good because of His faithfulness. Romans 8:28 declares “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Rejoice! It does not matter your situation in life at the moment. It does not matter which season of life you are in at the moment, whether spring, summer or winter seasons of life. You might probably be experiencing the terrible wind and waves of life! Rejoice and be of good cheer. For your victory and safety is assured in him.
Do have a wonderful week. God bless you.
