Articles
REASONS TO REJOICE!
The Bible speaks a number of times regarding rejoicing. David once stated, “This is the day
which the Lord has made,” and then he added, “We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24).
Why isn’t that just as true today as the day David wrote it? A celebrated writer once wrote,
“Every new day is a miracle.” The point: “the Lord did not owe us another day, but He gave it to
us.”
In the days of Nehemiah, when the people of God had combined their efforts in a great
cause, they were coaxed to rejoice, and were reminded: “the joy of the Lord is your strength”
(Neh. 8:10). Then the people responded with great rejoicing “because they now understood the
words that had been made known to them” (Neh. 8:12).
Even in the shadow of the hideous cross, Jesus told the disciples, “Be of good cheer, I have
overcome the world” (John 16:33). Of course, they were not glad that Jesus had to suffer so, but
were to rejoice at the happy results —their redemption (cf. Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24-25).
It is recorded of the early church that they “received their food with glad and generous
hearts” (Acts 2:46, ESV).
In the marvelous book of Philippians, we read that Paul counseled Christians to “rejoice in
the Lord” (Phil. 3:1); and then a chapter later repeated, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I
will say rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). The Thessalonians were instructed similarly, to “rejoice always” (1
Thess. 5:16).
What a wonderful reason Jesus gave the early disciples to rejoice when He said, “rejoice
that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
Have we ever thought that when we are told to “rejoice,” that it implies making a conscious
effort to do so? Happiness is not automatic —it’s a choice! “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I
will say, rejoice!” ~Phil. 4:4
Joe Goodspeed,
retired preacher for the Longmire church of Christ, Conroe, TX
via Chambersburg church of Christ, Chambersburg, PA
