Rejoicing Again and Again

 Psalms 106:19-23; Philippians 4:1-9

 Psalms 106 is full of praise for the Lord for God’s enduring steadfast love and for his mighty doings. However, there is something we should be to make us able to fully praise the Lord. It includes those who observe justice and do righteousness at all times. Also included is having a penitent heart. The psalmist here confesses that they themselves have sinned and committed iniquities along with their past ancestors. He brings up the account of the making of the golden calf the Israelites did and worshipped while being impatient with Moses’ delayed return. They again forget about all the awesome deeds the Lord had done parting the Red Sea and providing food and drink for them. Thank goodness Moses stood up for his people and turned away God’s wrath.

In Philippians Paul is urging two women to get along – to be of the same mind. These are women who worked hard beside Paul but their disagreement with each other was affecting their ministry.

Paul tells the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always and again he says rejoice. The word rejoice has the prefix “re” – to do it again and “joice” refers to being joyful. So, Paul is telling them to be joyful again and again always.

What do we have to be joyful again and again for? Paul tells them the Lord is near. They don’t need to worry - be anxious about anything since you can make your requests known to God. By doing so the peace of God which surprises all understanding will guide your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This is the concept of letting go of the worry and letting God provide – having the peace that God will take care of it.

Going back to Psalms what is true honorable, pure, pleasing, and commendable the righteous think on and declare God’s praise – rejoice. Paul tells the Philippians to think about these things. He tells them also whatever has any excellence and is worthy of praise to think on these things. Paul also tells them to follow his example and the God of peace will be with them.

This reminds me of the practice of noting and celebrating what you are grateful for. I write three gratitude a day and sometimes more. These are the good things Paul writes about that can give you a heart of rejoicing again and again.

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