I am reminded of a verse that brings hope to God’s children when we do what it says. Rejoicing and hope go together well. In fact we can expect blessings when we obey God’s Word.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!”  (Philippians 4:4)

It is clear that Philippians 4:4 tells us to rejoice always. This does not mean only when life is easy… when circumstances are pleasant… or when things are going as we planned. We are to rejoice always, and it is even repeated for emphasis.

If we memorize this verse and ponder it often, then it will add joy and hope to our hearts. God’s children can experience hope always when we rejoice always. According to Romans 12:12 we are to live “rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.”

God wants us to have joy, and that gives me hope. Sometimes it is easy and sometimes far from it, but we can always rejoice in the Lord when we trust Him, obey Him, and focus on Him. He is enough when there is nothing else that seems joyful or hopeful in our lives.

A couple that leads worship known as Brad and Rebekah have experienced God through their darkest days and in their struggles. They have learned to rejoice and share joy through their music. They recorded a worship song, “Rejoice,” and the lyrics are below. Find it online and listen to be blessed.

REJOICE

“Lift your eyes, don’t worry about tomorrow.
Peace will come and still every anxious thought,
‘Cause He’s not done, forever and always faithful.

Rejoice, rejoice, oh, my soul.
He is good, He is always good.
Rejoice, rejoice, oh my soul.
He is good, He is always good to us.

Place your trust in what you can’t see with your eyes.
He’s enough to shoulder the weight you carry.
Victory is found in the name of Jesus.

Rejoice, rejoice, oh, my soul.
He is good, He is always good.
Rejoice, rejoice, oh, my soul.
He is good, He is always good to us, oh.
He is good, He’s so good.

This is where my peace comes from:
Immovable One, unshakeable God.
There’s freedom where I place my trust:
Immovable One, unshakeable God.
I know where my peace comes from:
Immovable One, unshakeable God.
There’s freedom where I place my trust:
Immovable One, unshakeable God.

Rejoice, rejoice, oh, my soul.
He is good, He is always good.
Rejoice, rejoice, oh, my soul.
He is good, He is always good.
He is good, oh, He is always good.
He is good, He is always good to us.”  (Bichsel, Bichsel, DiMarco, and Silverberg)

(“Rejoice” was written by Brad Bichsel, Rebekah Bichsel, Kristene DiMarco, and Joshua Silverberg.)

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)