Every When

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4 is one of those verses we readily agree with when things are going well, when life is great, when the road is smooth. But what about when we hit a bump, when things are not going our way and when life becomes challenging or even painful. What then? How can we rejoice? Is it even possible to rejoice?

Paul tells us to rejoice always.

Always in the Greek is pantote. Pan meaning every and tote meaning when. We should rejoice at EVERY WHEN!

So I must rejoice
...When my kids are not cooperating.
...When we are down to our last dollar.
...When laundry and dishes are piled high.
... When my day doesn't go as planned.
... When my child is sick.
... When I am treated unfairly.
... EVERY WHEN!

You may ask, "But how can I rejoice in those situations?"

God doesn't ask is to rejoice in the situation.. he wants us to rejoice in him through the situation!

Rejoice: from the Greek xar: lean towards and xaris meaning grace. Literally rejoice means to experience God's grace.

We can rejoice in what God has promised us:

COMFORT
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.Psalm 46:1
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33b
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28

COURAGE
But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29

ETERNAL LIFE
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27, 28

FAITHFULNESS and COMPASSION

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.Isaiah 54:10
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." Psalm 103:13

JOY
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11

LOVE
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

PEACE
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7


These are just a few of God's promises to us. In his Word are so many more- open it this week and see what God promises you. As you read and choose to believe what He says, you will have no choice but to rejoice through "every when"!