Joy—The call to rejoice in the Lord always

“That God is what he is, is the matter of their chiefest joy.” –John Owen

     Paul exhorted the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. So great, so necessary, so wonderful is this call to joy that he repeats himself, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Phil. 4:4) Paul’s desire is that the church at Philippi delight themselves in the Lord. They are to be glad in him and because of him.  A couple of other translations of Philippians 4:4, illustrate the nature of this rejoicing:

• Delight yourselves in God, yes, find your joy in him at all times. 

(J. B. Phillips)

• Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! 

(The Message)

• Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. 

(Contemporary English Version)

What is Christian joy? John Piper defines the term, “Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” It is Spirit-birthed delight. It is Christ-centered gladness. We rejoice because of our union with Christ. We rejoice in God’s incredible character and all of his attributes. We celebrate the life and work of Christ. We humbly receive with joy the many benefits and blessings that come to us through the person and work of Christ. We wholeheartedly agree with John Owen: “True believers rejoice in what God is in himself. Whatever is good, amiable, or desirable; whatever is holy, just, and powerful; whatever is gracious, wise, and merciful, and all that is so, they see and apprehend in God. That God is what he is, is the matter of their chiefest joy.” [John Owen, Oweniana, 104.]

     Now that we have had a definition or characterization of Christian joy, I want to leave you with a few sentences for contemplation:

• Regarding joy, prosperity is no help and persecution is no hindrance.

• Regarding joy, sorrow is no enemy and worldliness is no friend.

• Regarding the fire of joy, love and obedience is its fuel and holiness the coals left behind.

May your heart become deeply acquainted with joy this week as you meditate on Christ! See you Sunday.

Yours in what service of love I can,

Pastor Dale