REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” (WEB)

The interesting thing about the word 'always' is that it means always! The Apostle Paul reminds us in today's Scripture reading that we are to have a rejoicing mindset. How often do we do this? ...all the time! In Ephesians 5:20, Paul restates this when he says ... giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; (WEB)

I truly believe that the more we embrace a thankful life, the more we see things to be thankful for. Unfortunately, I think this works in reverse as well. The more we complain, the more there will be to complain about.

My prayer today is that we will fix our affections on things above and not on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:1-2). We can think of good, true, and noble things so that we have heaven's perspective rather than the broken perspective that comes from a fallen humanity.

If you want to know how to live a joy-filled life, Paul shares the secret just four verses after today's reading in Philippians 4:8. May the joy of the Lord increase and abound in our lives as we choose to rejoice in the Lord always, no matter what challenges we face in life.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise,think about these things. (WEB)