We rejoice in many forms and for several reasons. We rejoice when there is good news in our favour. Jesus illustrated this fact with three parables in Luke 15: 4-32. The first was about the success of finding a lost sheep out of a hundred sheep. The second was about the lost coin where a woman rejoices over finding her one lost coin out of ten silver coins after a diligent search for the lost coin. The third is the parable of the prodigal son who though was presumed lost and dead, returned home after squandering his inheritance. Rejoicing results from security or support, wealth or substance, and fresh life or family.
In Acts 16: 30-34, the jailer who Paul and Silas led to Christ Jesus rejoiced when he and his entire household were saved when they believed in Jesus. The commonality in all these instances is that (a) the root of rejoicing starts from loss, (b) that success comes by due diligence or effort to succeed, and (c) that only God crowns our efforts by his grace. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3: 6, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. There are two types of rejoicing, God’s way and the world’s way.
God’s way to rejoice.
To the extent that good news is crowned by God, rejoicing must always be in God. Paul said in Philippians 4: 4, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. We must rejoice always because the pain or sorrow or anxiety or perplexing moments of which we complain and deride are rather the soils from which rejoicing geminates. In effect, we must rejoice in good and bad times because both have a common purpose as God intended. Read also John 11: 4; Romans 8: 17; and 1 Peter 4: 11.
The question is asked in Lamentations 3: 38, is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come? If God has the plans for our lives, then we must allow him to execute his perfect plan as he intends to do without our misgivings. Job 33: 29-30 says, God indeed does all these things, twice, three times, with mortals, to bring back their souls from the Pit, so that they may see the light of life. Therefore by Job’s word, Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
Our rejoicing must be before the Lord who must sanction its mode and nature. Paul said we must rejoice in faith and love and holiness with modesty, 1 Timothy 2: 15. Rejoicing which is done in such a manner will receive God’s approval. In confirmation, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10: 31 so, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. The purpose of rejoicing is to glorify God.
Circumstances to rejoice
Rejoicing is acknowledging God’s hand in all circumstances. This is because Paul said in Romans 8: 28, we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Paul said this based on his experience and walk with Christ Jesus. All who love God as well as all who are called for God’s purpose must always rejoice because every situation is for our good.
We must rejoice when we seek the Lord with our hearts, 1 Chronicles 16: 10; when we praise God, 1 Chronicles 16: 31; when we take our refuge in God, Psalms 5: 11; when we are delivered or rescued from any circumstance, Psalms 9: 14; 13: 3; Isaiah 61: 10; when we have God’s presence, Psalms 16: 9; when we keep God’s precepts; when we acknowledge God’s steadfast love, Psalms 31: 7; when we keep a pure heart, Psalm 32: 11; and when we are forthright with the truth of God, Proverbs 23: 16.
We also rejoice in many other circumstances including when our reward is in heaven, Matthew 5: 12; when our names are written in heaven, Luke 10: 20-21; when our lives are renewed and restored in Christ Jesus, Luke 15: 32; at the voice of God or when God speaks; John 3: 29; when we do God’s will, John 4: 36; when we suffer for Jesus, Acts 5: 41; when we have hope in Jesus, Romans 12: 12; when we avoid the wrong, 1Corinthians 13: 6; and when we face godly grief, 2 Corinthians 6: 10; 7: 9.
When we must not rejoice
Although God wants us to rejoice always and in all circumstances, there are however exceptions to this divine rule. Proverbs 24: 17-18 say do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble, or else the LORD will see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from them. This is the world’s way of rejoicing. Rejoicing at the suffering of an enemy does not show a good heart. It is evil contrary to scripture. It shows a vengeful spirit which has no place with God. We are to forgive one another just as Christ has forgiven us, Ephesians 4: 32; Colossians 3: 13.
God loves sinners of which we are part therefore we cannot rejoice at the suffering of our kind when God equally loves them. Jesus said in Luke 6: 27-36, But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you,… If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them… But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return… for he (God) is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked… Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. We are loved by grace and so must we.
Do we rejoice with purity of heart and love for Christ Jesus? Are we modest in rejoicing? Our greatest rejoicing must be that our names are written in the book of life in heaven.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for reminding us of how to rejoice. We have erred in the way and reasons for rejoicing including when our enemies suffer. Heal our wicked hearts of sin and evil and inject your unconditional love in us. Let our rejoicing come from you by the Holy Spirit so we may differ from the world. Let us rejoice in you always knowing all things are by your heavenly design for our good. Thank you for answering our prayers in your holy name, Amen!!
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