Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Philippians 4:4

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

The apostle gave this admonition to the Philippians considering the afflictions they were suffering for their faith. “Only let your manner of life be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of destruction,  but to you of salvation, and that of God.  For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him but also to suffer for his sake;” Philippians 1:27-29

The Greek word that is translated “rejoice” means to be “calmly happy or cheerful.” So how does one rejoice when life is difficult or suffering is present? Genuine joy is a spiritual impartation; it comes from God. It is not altered by the conditions of the world or the flesh. It is God’s will that we have joy in our hearts, regardless of the circumstances, and God’s will does not change. We, by faith, put ourselves in the hands of God and knowing that we are in Him is all the reason we need to rejoice.

“The Christian, therefore, may be, and should be, always a happy man (or woman). If everything else changes, yet the Lord does not change; if the sources of all other joy are dried up, yet this is not; and there is not a moment of a Christian's life in which he may not find joy in the character, law, and promises of God.” Albert Barnes

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim