Simson Live

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

– Philippians 4:4

There is a major difference between rejoicing in the world and rejoicing in the LORD. When we rejoice in the world we are really faking it. We try hard to show we are happy and distract ourselves. Worldly rejoicing is really short lived. If we are true believers of Christ, we should learn to rejoice in the LORD. Once you learn to rejoice in the LORD, it is very addicting and you will never run behind the world. Rejoicing in the LORD requires our hearts to be in peace with the LORD and be filled by His Spirit. Both of these the LORD will give us, when we do some simple house keeping of our hearts. These house keeping activities are mentioned in the same chapter (Philippians 4).

The first house keeping activity is how you conduct yourselves before others. In Philippians 4:5 it says: “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” The simplest way to think about this is how would you behave with people if you know today is your last day on earth. You will probably be more forgiving, gentle and tolerant towards others. That helps your spirit to be focused on mingling with the Holy Spirit and enjoying His presence than keeping unnecessary grudges on others.

The second house keeping activity is prayer. Here is what Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” If you are worried and anxious you do not enjoy the presence of the LORD in you. The best thing to do is pray for all your needs and to spend time praising and worshiping the LORD. That will take away all anxiety and worries in your life.

The third house keeping activity is to clean up your thoughts. In Philippians 4:8 it says: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” If you let your thoughts wander on many worldly and fleshly things, your are bound to loose your peace. Instead if you focus your thoughts on Heavenly things, your are bound to see the Glory of our LORD and will walk in His peace.

The last house keeping activity is to put to practice the LORD’s ways. We see in Philippians 4:9: “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me —everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you“. This is Paul asking the church in Philippians to put to practice all the things Paul taught them about the LORD. He also asks them to do what they saw him doing. When we put to practice the LORD’s ways, we also provide a model for others to follow the LORD’s way.

So the next time you feel not rejoicing in the LORD ask these questions:

• Are you being considerate of others or being judgmental and holding grudges?
• Are you praying or are you worried?
• Are you thinking about the world or the LORD?
• Are you practicing the LORD’s righteousness or living according to the fashions of this world?

You surely know the right answers. Just keep your inner house clean and the LORD will visit you in His glory and you will forget yourselves in His glorious presence!