Paul had every reason to feel afflicted, but he commanded the church at Philippi to rejoice, not once but twice (Phil. 4:4). Many have called the book of Philippians the ‘Joy Epistle’ because he was so full of joy about this church. Who knows…. perhaps this was his favorite church just because they caused him to rejoice so much (Phil. 4:10).
The word “rejoice” is like having joy and then reloading it or having your joy be redone, thus the word “re-joice.” The Greek word for rejoice is “chairō,” and it’s a verb–that is, it’s what you do–and it means “to be exceedingly glad.” Don’t let anyone rob you of your identity or joy in Christ! Yes, God is transforming you (2 Cor 3:18) and the joy that God gives you is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)!
Here’s the deal, the measure of your joy is not controlled based on how you feel nor your circumstances, but what God says! Therefore, Don’t allow anyone or anything to rob your identity and joy in Christ. Fix your eyes on Jesus because it was for the joy that was before Him that He was able to endure the cross, both for us and knowing that soon He would be back again at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 12:2)!
4GIVEN 