You Can Rejoice!

In a series of verses in Philippians, Paul writes: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel… The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for… what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance... now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death… Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!... I rejoice greatly in the Lord” (Phil. 1:12, 18–20; 4:4, 10).

From beginning to end, the letter sparkles with joy. Paul’s prison experience was rich in joy and contentment because he had learned from previous times in prison. Years earlier, Paul and Silas were cast into the inner cell of a different prison. Yet deep in the darkness of midnight, during the loneliest hour, they were found singing praises to God. No half-hearted humming—in spite of thick walls and heavy doors, other prisoners actually heard them singing praises (Acts 16:25).

Paul’s arithmetic for joy was to subtract his earthly wants so that something of greater value could be attained: Christ’s cause advanced throughout the world. This gave him enormous joy based on his conviction that suffering Christians are used more powerfully in God’s kingdom.

It’s the way Jesus lived when he was on earth. The Son of Man “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering” was also the Son of God who was the Lord of joy. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross… Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:2–3).

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