Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! [Philippians 4:4 NKJV]

This verse may be a follow-up of the previous passage about the disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche. He has told them to "be of the same mind"; in other words, "Work it out." While settling the issue, rejoice in the Lord. It is hard to feud in the flesh when you are rejoicing in the Spirit.

At the time of this writing, the Philippian church was enduring persecution;

...and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. [Philippians 1:28-30 NKJV]

Writing to them from prison, Paul says, "Rejoice!"

This is not a positive affirmation. Offices love to hang posters with positive affirmations. "Be happy." "Happy Happens." "You are the best." "You are loved." I'm sure you've seen them. 

When Paul says "Rejoice in the Lord," He is not giving a mere affirmation. Affirmations are us trying to use the flesh to affect our spirit. If I say "I am happy" enough times, maybe I will feel it. If I say "I am loved" enough times, maybe I'll believe it. 

I am not against having positive affirmations as reminders, but they are not what we live by. And if we trust in them, then we are trusting in the flesh, which cannot please God.

He does not expect them to work up an emotional display. We are to rejoice "in the Lord". He is the source of our joy, and we rejoice in Him by seeking Him. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit;

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV]

You don't receive more of the Spirit by acting loving, joyful, peaceful, etc. You become more loving, joyful, peaceful, etc. by walking in the Spirit of God; acknowledging Him as your companion all day long in every circumstance. Rejoicing is a by-product of being filled with the Spirit.

Seek God and you will find Him.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is always good to rejoice in the Lord. If you are struggling, suffering, or being persecuted, you can find Joy in the Spirit of the Lord, and rejoice. If you are at odds with another Christian, you can find common ground by rejoicing in the Lord together.

Father, I delight myself in You! You are the reason I exist. You are my hope, and my goal. You alone are worthy of all praise, glory and honor; and I give it all to You! And in You, I rejoice!