For many Christians, I believe the most difficult biblical command to obey is “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4) because we tend to believe that joy is a matter of circumstance rather than perspective. But throughout the book of Philippians, Paul indicates that he was joy-filled and that we can be, too. In this series we study the book of Philippians to discover why Paul was so joyful despite difficult circumstances and how we can experience that same unconditional joy.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.“
Philippians 1:3-11