Rejoice Evermore
Text: Philippians 4:4, Psalm 89:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Minister: Pastor Olaleye
The word ‘rejoice’ in the phrase ‘rejoice evermore’ connotes an act, a doing; - while ‘evermore’ speaks of consistency and continuity. This is an admonition and a supreme injunction to the believer. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, not manufactured by mortal man. It is divine. The Holy Spirit is the source of Joy. The indwelling of the spirit of God produces joy effortlessly and is independent of the happenings around. It is not impacted by dealings and happenings externally. Paul speaks of rejoicing regardless of and in the midst of adversity. This is not of emotion nor of the soul but of the spirit. You are a spirit being; the word rejoice is for and to your spirit, such that your body and soul begins to conform to doing it.
To rejoice is to show great enthusiasm over a thing.
The believer has been given all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17); and for this, he ought to rejoice. Discouragement bringing sorrow is the arch-rival of the expression of joy. The manifestation of sorrow is proof of the presence of ignorance or the absence of knowledge. What knowledge? The knowledge of the love of God and His will eliminates all shades of sorrow. Psalm 84:11, Ephesians 3:16,19. The knowledge of the love of God who is your father expels sorrow (Matthew 6:32; Jeremiah 29:11). Joy must never be misconstrued for happiness. Happiness is circumstantial and based on happenings but joy is a function and the working of the spirit of God.
What things should we focus on that would evoke a joy consciousness.
• Salvation; deliverance from eternal damnation. This work of God is invaluable and priceless. Isaiah 12:3, Psalm 9:2,14. The book of Habakkuk 3:17-18 speaks of rejoicing in the Lord and the God of Salvation. Salvation should cause in a believer, unending joy. In salvation, all provisions as an heir of His, exists; and with joy, we draw from the well of salvation Isaiah 12:3.
• The mercy of God; Lamentation 3:23; we as believers have obtained the mercy of God. Mercy goes beyond mere pardon. It is God’s favour and preserving power. It is God’s mercy that has preserved you thus far. His mercy has made us pass from death to life (John 5:24). His mercy is that which averts judgement over us.
• His goodness (2 Chronicles 6:11) - His goodness towards you should effortlessly evoke immeasurable joy.Never allow the travails you go through impact on your joy. The uncertainties of life are incomparable to the victory the joy of the Lord brings.
Prayers
1. Oh Lord my father, rain on me the oil of joy all of my days.
2. Oh Lord! bestow upon me the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
3. I take off now, every garment of limitation and sorrow in the name of Jesus.
