4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Philippians 4
Paul repeatedly uses the word REJOICE in his letter to the Philippians. He tells them to REJOICE IN THE LORD (they and we should Rejoice because of all that we have in Christ). He tells them to Rejoice ALWAYS, NOT JUST WHEN WE FEEL LIKE IT. Believers cannot be governed by our feelings or emotions because there will be times when we won’t want to Rejoice and if anyone experienced such occasions it was Paul.
10 I REJOICED GREATLY IN THE LORD that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Paul rejoiced for the support he’d received from the Philippians, but it must have been a long time coming, because he said, ‘at last you renewed your concern for me’. He was their spiritual father but the help was a long time coming. Like many of us, the apostle Paul had to learn patience and wait for God’s provision. (Yet what a relief when it finally came!)
17 Not that I am looking for a gift; but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
Paul saw beyond his own needs and tells the Church that their gifts will in turn be recorded in Heaven and ‘Credited to them’. What is given sincerely to the Lord here will be ours in eternity, Paul confirmed this to the Philippians.
37 ‘Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you ill or in prison and go to visit you?”
40 ‘The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BRETHREN OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.” Matthew 25
Jesus told the same truth to those listening to Him in the Galilee and beyond. When you help those who are mine, you help Me.
Paul could REJOICE DOUBLY when his own needs were finally met, but also that his spiritual children would be credited with helping him. We can share in this also when we give to the Lord and His Kingdom here in our day.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.