It Starts Small

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always

God commands us to rejoice, and make no mistake—this is a divine command, not a mere suggestion! He urges us to rejoice relentlessly, time and again. By His boundless grace, we can find joy even amidst the fiercest trials and overwhelming difficulties. Take Acts 16 as a powerful example: Paul and Silas were unjustly imprisoned. They were thrown into filthy, rancid cells with their feet shackled in stocks. Their situation was dire, a serious test of faith! These faithful servants of God were not in prison due to their own failings. They had boldly proclaimed the good news. And still, God permitted their wrongful arrest and imprisonment. In the face of such injustice, some may harden their hearts, questioning God, “Have you truly abandoned me? I was dedicated to your service! How could You allow this to occur?”

You know the story—it’s one of deep conviction and unwavering faith. Paul and Silas, even in the darkest depths of prison, filled the air with powerful hymns to the Lord. Their joy echoed through the walls. It reached the very soul of the jailer and his family. This ultimately led to their salvation. Though they couldn’t see it at the moment, there was a divine purpose behind this harrowing trial that transformed lives. The lesson from Paul and Silas is clear. Regardless of the chaos that surrounds us, we hold the power to choose our response. We can ignite hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Because God fervently commands you to rejoice, it signifies that the power to choose rests within you! Your emotions are not mere whims; they are under your command! Though you may confront overwhelming circumstances beyond your influence, the way you respond is a decision solely yours to make. Embrace this truth with fervor and transform your response into a powerful declaration of joy!

Joy is a decision.

Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Note what Habakkuk proclaims in verse 18, “I WILL rejoice!” This is not just a statement; it’s a declaration of unwavering determination! He resolutely chooses with all his heart and before the Lord. Regardless of how tumultuous the storms of life may become, he will embrace the challenge. He will face it with a triumphant spirit and boundless joy. True joy transcends mere superficial smiles—it’s a deep, heartfelt response that radiates authenticity, revealing strength in the face of adversity.

Neither does joy imply the absence of sadness. In fact, we are powerfully compelled to “weep with those who weep.” Grieving has its own sacred time and place. Can we truly believe Habakkuk felt joy during the heart-wrenching disasters? The Babylonians would unleash these upon his people and homeland. Did he hear the news and exclaim, “Woo hoo!”? Absolutely not. Let’s be clear: happiness and joy are worlds apart.

Happiness is an intense emotion. It is ignited by the world around us. This feeling is especially fueled by the people who fill our lives with love and laughter. It may seem unnatural to feel joy amidst grief, like when we lose someone dear to us. Yet, even in the depths of sadness, we possess the remarkable power to choose resilience. We can decide to rise above despair, to refuse bitterness or anger toward the divine. Rather than giving in to gloom, we have a choice. We can embrace joy. We can turn our hearts toward gratitude and the precious souls still with us.

Joy is a powerful choice we make with our hearts. It is a commitment to embrace a positive attitude before the Lord and those around us. We stand firm in gratitude and optimism, holding tight to the unwavering goodness of God. We trust that every trial we face has a divine purpose. Joy flows from the Lord. As our relationship with Him deepens, it becomes more effortless to “rejoice always.” Have you struggled in responding to life’s trials? Have you found yourself complaining, becoming short-tempered, or allowing irritation to seep into your heart? Have you let anger toward the Lord take root? Today, I urge you to make the bold decision to be joyful, even in the midst of adversity!

The Lord is near

• He is ever close, for He is omnipresent, filling every corner of existence with His presence.
• He is near because His omniscience envelops us, knowing our hearts and every thought.
• He is near because He did not abandon the world after creation; instead, He walks alongside us in our journeys.
• He is near, driven by an unwavering love that cares deeply for each one of us.
• He is near, with the promise of His return, looming on the horizon, bringing hope and joy to our souls.

Do not be anxious about anything –

Here is another command: do not worry! Wow, that’s a tough challenge, isn’t it? Since God commands us not to worry, we must understand that worrying transgresses His will for us. Why is that? At its core, worrying reveals a heart devoid of faith (Matthew 6:30). It may signify a failure to trust in God’s unwavering ability to meet our needs. Or it could reflect doubts about His goodness. We may question whether He genuinely desires what’s best for us.

Worrying achieves absolutely nothing! It robs you of precious sleep. It drags you into the depths of despair. It sabotages your performance. It breeds ulcers and invites a cascade of health and mental challenges into your life. Embrace freedom from this insidious habit!

⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Think about that thought for a moment! The Creator of the universe, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords cares for you with a fervent, unwavering love! He demonstrated this profound affection through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. God is far from being an impersonal force; He is not a distant observer! No, He is watching you intently, invested in your journey. He has a magnificent plan for your life. He wants nothing but the very best for you. This is just like a devoted parent desiring the absolute best for their child. A parent might stumble in knowing what truly is best. They might even struggle to bring it to fruition. However, God possesses both the wisdom and the power to ensure His perfect will for us. That is an incredible friend to have by your side!

The Bible is brimming with fervent commands that urge us to take action rather than remain idly by, and this verse stands as a powerful testament to that truth. Believers are called to rise above mere platitudes like, “Don’t worry. Don’t worry. Don’t worry,” and instead embrace a glorious purpose that compels us to ACT!

but in every situation, by prayer and petition

Instead of succumbing to worry, we should bring our anxieties before God. We must seek His divine assistance. The Apostle Paul passionately urges us to pray to God “in everything.” This mindset embodies a vibrant lifestyle of prayer. No concern is too monumental or too insignificant to lift up in supplication. Engage with God in every facet of your life. This includes your work, your family, and your life-altering decisions. It also involves your character development, your health, and your church endeavors. Furthermore, it encompasses your missions and even your hobbies. Embrace the power of prayer in all things!

In many ways, worry stands in stark contrast to the powerful act of prayer. Throughout the Bible, we see great men and women of faith. They are true prayer warriors. They fervently lift their voices and hearts in petitions before the Almighty God. We are all familiar with this timeless verse, and the message is profoundly clear: Pray! How can you cultivate a vibrant lifestyle of prayer? What is one dynamic way to embody the principle of bringing “everything” to God in prayer? This week, I urge you to pray with intention, not just at mealtime, before bed, or after church. Embrace the opportunity to talk to God throughout your day. Share your feelings and struggles with Him; ask for His divine wisdom. When His glory reminds you of His greatness, lift your praises high! Remember, your prayers don’t need to be lengthy or elaborate. Engage in prayer constantly. This practice will redirect your focus from the trials of life. It will guide you to the unwavering presence of the Lord.

With thanksgiving

Also a command. Our hearts should overflow with thanksgiving in moments of joy and fulfillment. This should also happen amidst the trials we face. We should be thankful even for the things we wish had never occurred. God calls us to embrace gratitude in every circumstance. Often, in our limited understanding, we struggle to grasp the reasons behind what God permits in our lives. Why must I endure such heartache? Why has God allowed me to experience this pain? Yet, it’s crucial to focus not on the “why,” but on the “who.” The “who” is our loving God, who allows these experiences to mold us for our ultimate good.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

When you wholeheartedly embrace this verse, you’ll find the strength. It allows you to lift your voice in genuine gratitude to God. This is possible even amidst the fiercest storms of life. What is one challenging aspect of your journey for which you can consciously choose to give thanks?

 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

This peace can only be grasped by those who have a true understanding of God. Some are limited to what their eyes can perceive. Others are confined to what their hearts can feel. However, this extraordinary peace surges forth from our unwavering faith in God. Our God is not just sovereign but profoundly good. He is ever-watchful over our lives. This divine peace shields us fiercely. It guards us against thoughtless actions. It protects us from the grip of complaints. It defends us against the paralyzing clutches of fear and anxiety. It even safeguards us against the erosion of joy. It stands as a mighty barrier, defending us from sin.

---

Cross-References

Discussion Questions

• What do you think it means to rejoice? Smile and laugh excitedly?
• When are we to rejoice?
• How can you rejoice even in the midst of trials or disappointments?
• How can we let our gentle spirit be known to all men?
• Is verse 6 a suggestion?
• Is worry something that you can control?
• Why are we not supposed to worry?
• What is one thing that sometimes causes you worry?
• What might be the difference between concern and worry?
• What is worrying good for?
• What does it mean to pray to God “in everything”?
• If God already knows everything that we are thinking and experiencing, why is it important to take everything to Him in prayer?
• Share an example of something you’re thankful for.
• What is something about a trial that you are thankful for?
• Why does it say that this peace is beyond understanding?
• Have you ever experienced this kind of peace? When?

---