Rejoice in the Lord at all times

In the midst of war and political unrest, in the midst of personal suffering, sorrow and financial challenges, in the midst of unsaved family and friends, in the midst of the one addicted to drugs, in the midst of gun violence and the loss of innocent lives… “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)! But how? Perhaps your conversation with the Lord after reading His instruction to you is, “How Lord? How can I praise you in midst of this trial? I can’t do it!” Paul’s quote to us, by revelation of the Holy Spirit, was spoken during his experience of great suffering and persecution. Psalm 119 reflects the life of someone experiencing great affliction and trial. Despite the challenges of this individual’s life, the author is filled with praise for the Lord, showing great confidence in Him, and stressing the value of His Word. The author of Psalm 119 teaches you, natural circumstances do not change God’s Word, nor should they cause you to evaluate His Word differently. The Word of God should remain the foundation of your praise, as it paints of picture of everlasting truth, of possibility, of hope, as compared to everything that you see in the natural which is subject to change (2 Corinthians 4:18; Matthew 24:35).

When God speaks it is not an empty promise, useless utterance without effect.

“So shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void (without producing any effect, useless), but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Amp Isaiah 55:11).

The Word that “God speaks is alive and full of power”; it is “active, operative, energizing and effective” (Amp Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word is filled with His faith and creative power as evidenced in the creation of the world and the universe (Genesis 1). And you see and experience today that the world that God created still exists as He holds it together by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). His Word is “life for those who find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22). Meditating on God’s Word causes us to be “prosperous and have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

Although the author of Psalm 119 is unknown, with most scholars concluding it is written by David, the author’s focus on the value of God’s instruction is evident throughout.

            Your word is my delight and my counselors (vs 24).

            Your word revives me and stimulates me (vs 25).

            According to the promises of Your word I am raised up and strengthened (vs 28).

            Upon Your word, I hope. Your word is my comfort. Your word gives me life (vs 49,50)

            The word of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver

(vs 72).

I would perish without your word (vs 92).

            “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (vs 105).

            “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word” (vs 114).

God’s Word, however, must be believed in order to receive its benefits. God spoke to the Israelites but they did not believe what He said. They were not fully persuaded by it; therefore, they were shut out from the blessing. They looked at their circumstances and judged by that instead of judging by what God said. Therefore, instead of praise, they grumbled and complained. (Hebrews 3:12-19) However, if you believe God’s Word, no matter what is happening in your life, praise will result because you see with your heart, with the eyes of faith, that He is good, and has made provision for every area of your life. His Words should be the rejoicing of your life (Psalm 119:111). His Word should be your delight (Psalm 119:92).

Paul shows us again, in Acts 16:25-34, that believing the promises of God, believing in Him, and praising the Lord has extraordinary results. Paul didn’t praise God because everything he was experiencing was wonderful, in fact it was quite the opposite. Paul and Silas were imprisoned after being beaten, with their feet fastened in stocks.

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” (Acts 16:25-26)

Recently, I had the opportunity to receive a message that I believed was from the Lord. The words that I received seemed to line up with Scripture. Prompted by Him, I shared this encouragement with a friend. Shortly before receiving the message, she had been contacted by a new mother in the hospital. The mother was asking for prayer for her infant who the doctor said was showing some heart problems. My friend felt prompted to share the word that I had given her. Within in hour, the mother reported that the baby’s heart was functioning perfectly! This was the second time I had experienced the power of God’s Word in a health matter. I shared Scripture with a gentleman I learned was in the hospital with a diagnosis of fourth stage cancer. He confirmed meditating on that Word over and over again, and was healed of his affliction! Today he remains in excellent health!

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides” (Psalm 119:89).

Allow the Word of God to cause you to be well balanced, firm, and established. Allow His Word to paint a picture of hope, and cause you to rejoice, praising Him at all times, in every circumstance! He is worthy of your praise!