Delighting in Christ Always

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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4–7

 

There are times when experiencing joy and delight in God seems easy. We can soak in the beauty of nature and creation, marvel at the Lord’s covenantal promises in Scripture, and reflect upon the many ways he has been faithful to us. But how are we to always rejoice? What about those times “when sorrows like sea billows roll,” as expressed so powerfully in the hymn in Horation Spafford’s hymn, “It Is Well”?

These verses in Philippians have been a source of strength, reassurance, and comfort in the storms of my life. When I was 18, I spent time travelling in the United States, and on arrival at a motel, I felt homesick. Seeing a Bible on the bedside table, I opened it and read these verses. My hope was renewed, and I had courage to carry on. One year later, I was diagnosed with blood cancer. Facing the unknown with fear and anxiety for what was ahead, these same verses once again spoke truth to me. The Lord was near, his word was true, and his peace guarded my heart and mind in the trial.

Whatever is going on in our lives, we can look to the cross of Christ and be assured of his eternal love and sufficient grace. We remember that the object of our faith and delight is Jesus. Author and speaker Elisabeth Elliot said, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances” (see Col. 1:27). It is because we are in Christ, and he in us, that we can rejoice.

Incredibly, God also rejoices over his people: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph. 3:17). His Spirit is at work, opening our eyes, softening our heart, and renewing our mind. We may not rejoice in our current circumstances, but we can always rejoice in Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from sin, and whose death on the cross gives us life everlasting. Luke 15:10 says when one sinner turns to God, there is much rejoicing in heaven! This is a joy that never ceases, and it isn’t tied to the ups and downs of daily life.

How can we “rejoice always,” as Paul reminds us? We can rejoice today and every day because he has drawn near to us, becoming like us in every way—yet he was without sin (see Heb. 2:17; 4:15). He is a faithful and merciful High Priest and lives to intercede for us (Heb. 7:25). We need not be anxious, yet how often we are! If we could grasp how deep, high, wide, and long the love of God truly is (Eph. 3:18), we would never cease to delight and praise his glorious name.

May we delight in our Saviour and ever look forward to the day when we will see him face to face. In the meantime, let us rejoice, for he is with us even now.

 

Picture of Ruth Clemence

Ruth Clemence

Ruth Clemence is a Christian, writer, blogger, podcaster, and book reviewer based in Cardiff, Wales. She is married to Joel and has two wonderful children. Visit her website: ruthclemence.com
Picture of Ruth Clemence

Ruth Clemence

Ruth Clemence is a Christian, writer, blogger, podcaster, and book reviewer based in Cardiff, Wales. She is married to Joel and has two wonderful children. Visit her website: ruthclemence.com