Christian joyfullness

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Paul had a right to say so. Was it not in Philippi that in the prison he had rejoiced? There in the innermost dungeon, while his back was bruised and bleeding from the cruel scourge, and his feet were held fast in the grip of the stocks, his fellow-prisoner Silas and he had “sung praises to God.”

In that prison “a man of Macedonia” was soon crying out for help as he said, “What must I do to be saved?” And soon he was rejoicing also with all his house, believing the glad and glorious gospel.

The Lord abides unfailing in all our circumstances. Whoever rules, He overrules, and somehow He works all for our good and for His glory.

This is the New Testament counterpart of the words of Habakkuk of old: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Hab. 3:17).

“The Lord LIVETH.” He knows the need of His loved ones, and is all-powerful on their behalf. Believing this they may exclaim, “Blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”

I.F.