Again I will say, rejoice.

Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4

In the world we live in today it's hard to let go of the negativity, the violence, the confusion, and the fear. Whether it's the government, family and friends, or uncontrollable circumstances it's easy to get sucked in. We get trapped in this cycle of anxiety that leaves us doing everything, but rejoicing. Yet, Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the LORD, always; again I will say, rejoice." The definition of rejoice is to feel or show great joy or delight. Philippians 4 goes on to say, "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Verses 5-7) Through the negativity God tells us to rejoice, let go of our anxiety, and go to Him in prayer and thanksgiving. Then His peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds. Philippians then goes on to say, "Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Verse 8) It's hard to rejoice when all we see is the negative. Yet, when we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and go to Him first, with our praises and prayers it's easy to respond with great joy no matter the circumstance. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus all we will see is what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent. Our lives will be so fixed on Him that the world's negativity will be blocked out by the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Not only do you need yourself to have this kind of joy, but the world needs you to have this kind of joy! It's through your rejoicing that others experience the joy and peace of Jesus. In a world that's so uncertain be the face of joy for the lost and broken. We pray that as you go throughout your week that the joy of the Lord would be your strength! May your week bring rejoicing no matter what it brings!