Rejoice

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, 'Rejoice!'"

Paul is teaching the Philippians to pray for each other, specifically a conflict between two women in their fellowship. This passage, Philippians 4:4-9 has been used many times in the teaching about interceding for each other and also for ourselves. I would like to spend some time here over the next few weeks, as we take the requests to the Lord in our prayer times .

As we pray, it is sometimes difficult to rejoice. The requests and situations are sometimes overwhelming and heartbreaking. We may find ourselves going naturally to how can I hep? Can this situation be solved? We empathize with the person or sympathize with each of them. But rejoice? No, sometimes that never comes until the prayer is answered in some way and some measure of victory is had. Yet, Paul tells us to start out rejoicing. In what are we to rejoice?

                                                   "Rejoice in the LORD... 
                                                                             ALWAYS
                                                                        and AGAIN I say: 
                                                                                 REJOICE!"

Most situations are difficult to rejoice over. But we can and are instructed to rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice over the character and promises of Jesus.

Begin your prayer time rejoicing over who you know Jesus to be. He is our Lord and Savior. He is and will forever be our King. He is enthroned over all the universe - chaos and all. He will be forever enthroned. Nothing and no one can shake that power and authority!

His is a loving, kind, gentle and the bringer of peace. He promises to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5); to be our ever present help in time of need (Psalm 46:1). So as you pray, start out rejoicing in the Lord. Who He is and what He will do these situations!