Philippians 4:4

Reflection

Paul writes "rejoice always" twice, from prison. Not because the circumstances were worth rejoicing over. The ground of joy is not the situation but the place of being "in the Lord."

The command to rejoice can grate. How do you rejoice when you're sad? But the joy spoken of here is not the lift of emotion; it is an unshakable foundation — a joy of a depth that can coexist with sorrow.

If today is no occasion for rejoicing, don't strain to find joy in the circumstance. Instead recall where that joy is rooted. Joy in the Lord does not ride the tides of circumstance.