Make A Decision - Celebrate!

“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 AMP)

In Philippians 4:4, Paul is saying that we should always rejoice, whether we are sad, happy, angry, confused, or even tired: there shouldn’t be a moment that goes by when we aren’t giving thanks to the Lord for His love and provision.

This advice from Paul is designed to call attention to its meaning, and to enforce, again and again, our duty of joy. We can choose to always agree in the greatness of God and find the joy inside bubbling up, burdens lifted, His peace surrounds as we lift praises and give Him thanks.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary states that, “Worldly happiness is not the same as godly happiness. Godly happiness is called joy. In the Bible, the word joy references stability and celebration on the inside regardless of circumstances on the outside. We must choose to rejoice in order to experience the joy God promises us."

Jesus walked the earth with joy because He understood love. He knew we wouldn’t get it right, but He taught and demonstrated how it should be. So often, we let conflict and disagreement steal our joy, but there is power in seeking love over all else. So, make a decision and push through to love. It may hurt, but sustaining joy is worth it!

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While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. (Psalm 146:2)

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous; befitting is the praise of the upright. (Psalm 33:1)

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1)

"....Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10)