When I read just this verse in Philippians, it doesn't seem that hard to follow. Rejoice in the Lord. I can do that--he's always good, and so gracious, so why shouldn't I be joyful always?
It's when I get to verses like the one below that I begin to think our Lord is crazy--joy in trials? Really? Rejoice always?? Clearly, there must be a mistake.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
(James 1:2-4 ESV)
Joy is a choice. I learned this recently at a Ladie's fellowship breakfast at my church. I have always heard that joy doesn't depend on our circumstances, but it finally clicked that there are commands in the Bible to have joy. You can't command someone to do something when they have no control over it, therefore, joy must be a choice. I think the verse in Philippians is especially clear on what kind of joy we are to have. Paul had an abundance of trials--way worse than anything I have ever experienced--but he was able to command others to have joy because our joy is in the Lord. A lady from my church, Leah Heling wrote the following:
"Christians often seek to use the Lord Jesus in order to get through the trial. Instead, the believer needs to see the trial as a mold in which the Holy Spirit can teach the strength and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. How much better it is to grow in Him, knowing Him not only as our helper in trials, but using the circumstances that he allows as opportunities for greater attachment to him" (from Leah's handout "How to Have Joy in Difficult Times")This quote was especially needed for my sake, as too often I ignore the Lord until some big trial comes in my life, and then I finally see my need and ask him to get me through it. I certainly don't rejoice, let alone see it as an opportunity for my growth, my good and his glory! In Hebrews 12, the author exhorts his readers to see trials or discipline as from the Lord and for our good. His goal is to shape us to be more like him (Colossians 1:22, Jude 1:24-25, Hebrews 12:10-11).
When things are difficult, my human nature--my flesh--responds with pity parties, complaining and grumbling. I want life to be easy, I don't want to take the hard road. This is when I make the mistake of looking to others around me and their seemingly easy/happy lives, instead of looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). But I am so grateful that the Lord is always faithful. He doesn't give up on me (Philippians 1:6). In him, I have received grace upon grace (John 1:16).
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:4-6 ESV)
The Lord knows my heart, and he knows all the sins I have committed and will commit, and yet he died for me (Romans 5:8-9). He in fact not only died for me, but became sin so that I could become his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through simply trusting in his work on the cross as the complete, one-time work necessary to pay for my sin, I have eternal life in Christ. I am eternally secure forever, because my salvation does not rest on my continued faith or belief, but in His work. I am his, and nothing can snatch me out of the Father's hand (John 10:28-30). Looking back over the previous verses, it is clear that the Lord is using everything in my life--the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult, the fun and the hardships--all for my good and ultimately His glory. When I think on all the Lord has done for me, and his abundant grace, how can I not have joy in all circumstances?
