"Rejoice in the Lord always." Philippians 4:4 ',

Back to The Pastor's Morning Visit

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This is a very difficult precept. 

Sometimes the Lord hides His face. 
Sometimes we fear and doubt our saving interest in His love. 
Sometimes we are almost bewildered through the powerful workings of corruption within us. 
Sometimes we are bowed down by Satan's sore temptations. 
Sometimes the dispensations of providence are so perplexing, that we are ready to cry out, "All things are against us!" 

But we are not bidden to rejoice in frames and feelings, or in the dispensations of providence—but in the Lord. He has loved us with an everlasting love, and His love is immutably the same! He is our God in Jesus, and has promised to be unto us, to do for us, and freely give us—all that our circumstances require—all that will be for our good and His glory. 

In weakness—we may rejoice in His power. 
In darkness—we may rejoice that He knows our path. 
In sickness and sorrow—we may rejoice that He cares for us.
Under any circumstances—we may rejoice in His covenant relations; for He is always our Father, Friend and God.

We should rejoice in . . .
His free grace, 
His rich mercy, 
His all-conquering power, 
His faithful promises,
His special providence,
His unchangeable love!

"Rejoice in the Lord always." Philippians 4:4