REJOICE IN THE LORD
Pr. James Victor Lubwama
Philippians 4:4-7 (AMP)
“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
Every Christian should know the secret or mystery of rejoicing in the Lord. Joy is crucial to Christian life and a core ingredient in the Salvation journey - God's children are commanded to rejoice and are characterised by joy. The devil speaks in our lives every day but the weapon to defeat his lies and tricks is to rejoice in the Lord, encourage ourselves in His word and put into thought that His salvation is so near.

 The book of Philippians draws attention to various challenges to joy, such as prison, opponents, grumbling and disagreement (Philippians1). Paul rejoices in the Lord always, even though he sits in prison, defamed by his enemies. His joy is not anchored in circumstances but in his Savior, who will never disappoint him and who will surely deliver him. Rejoicing in the Lord means knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; It means he gives us deeper, authentic, pure and lasting pleasure than anything this world has to offer (Philippians 3:8). 
Always have hope and self-control knowing that the solution to your problems or worries is just around the corner. Don't focus on the pressing situations around you or the facts of life that the devil points you to but be governed by what the word of God says about you and that situation. Is it sickness, lack, your children's education or business? The bible has the rightful response to everything
Isaiah 43:1-4 (AMP) says;
“But now, this is what the Lord, your Creator says, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you [from captivity]; I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. 3 “For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt [to the Babylonians] as your ransom, Cush (ancient Ethiopia) and Seba [its province] in exchange for you. 4 “Because you are precious in My sight, You are honored and I love you, I will give other men in return for you and other peoples in exchange for your life."
Pour out all your worries and problems unto God in prayer; focus on God, His Word and promises. Be positive and always expect to see the goodness of God in your life (Psalms 27:13). Be positive and hopeful; hope will prevent you from fainting. Don’t be like Thomas who only believes after seeing; for we don't walk by sight but by faith in the word of God.
If rejoice in the Lord and trust Him wholeheartedly, the lions will not devour you, (Daniel 6); and the fire will not consume you (Daniel 3). Because God has preserved you, He is still taking you far. No need to fear, worry or be anxious, but just stand still on the rock (word of God) and have faith in God; for He is the Alpha and the Omega - He will finish what He started and promises because, God's promises never fail
In every situation know that God already has a rescue plan and place of refuge for you. He has already set a person and place for your salvation because He knew you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5). For example, God used a prostitute called Rahab to hide spies sent by Joshua on a mission to spy the promised land (Joshua 2). God knows you more than anyone else and won't allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) says;
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Christian joy is the great pleasure and happiness that we feel whether or not our bank accounts are smiling, whether or not our businesses are profitable, whether or not we are healthy or hurting but because our redeemer lives, because he makes all things new, because he brings the dead things to life and because he will come to our rescue and save us. The book of Philippians reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always by refocusing from the present challenges to anchor our hope in Christ and to take our eyes off ourselves and, pray and pursue fullness of joy in Christ.
Rejoice always, your situation is temporary. Silence the devil’s fears, facts and lies with the truth – God’s word (His promises and prophesies).

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