1 Thessalonians 5:16 ESV
“Rejoice always”
With only two words, “Rejoice always”, our Scripture of reference speaks volumes. However, the following questions most likely come to mind, humanly speaking: ‘Why do we have to rejoice?’ ‘Is it really possible to rejoice “always”?’ ‘What is the cause for rejoicing?’ ‘Toward whom do we rejoice?’ All these questions point to two important facts: firstly, true joy (which makes us rejoice) is a function of the regenerated human spirit. It starts from the inside of us, out, not the reverse way. Secondly, God must be the centre of our joy if at all we are to “rejoice always”. Other than that, there is nothing around us that can offer a constant reason for rejoicing.
From a different perspective, however, being able to rejoice always also reflects our spiritual likeness with the Godhead (Gen 1:26). That is, joy is an attribute of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Regarding the Father, for instance, the Word says, “The LORD your God rejoice[s] over you with gladness” (Zep 3:17 ESV), and “…the joy of the LORD [God] is your strength” (Neh 8:10 KJV). Jesus Christ also “rejoiced in spirit” (Luk 10:21 KJV). He was a Man of great joy and did awesome things that made many rejoice. Regarding the Holy Spirit, Paul noted that the Thessalonians had “…received the word in much affliction, [yet] with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 The 1:6 ESV).
Yes, the Holy Spirit’s joy strengthened the believers in the face of “much affliction.” Their outward challenging circumstances could not limit the inward ministry of joy of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Hallelujah! Child of God, in light of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, whose work is now being applied in our lives by the Holy Spirit, you can rejoice always. Blessedly, the Kingdom of God in which we now belong is designed to function in “…righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17 NKJV). Let that truth settle on the inside that you may “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Php 4:4 NKJV)!
Pst. Emmanuel