The Lodestar

Paul penned this exhortation from a jail in Rome amid his uncertain future. He was unsure whether the jail door would open for his release or to be hanged to death. Despite these dire circumstances, Paul had become a person who could face life joyfully, a testament to the power of his faith.

In this verse, he reveals the secret of his joy, which has no bearing on his condition.

Some people exude effervescent joy, always bubbling with enthusiasm and cheer, seemingly without specific reasons. It is a part of their nature. However, Paul does not refer to this type of joy. He is talking about a different kind of joy- a deeply rooted and well-grounded joy.

Unlike superficial and momentary happiness, Christian joy does not depend on our nature or circumstances. It is deeply grounded in Christ, providing a steadfast anchor in the storms of life. The phrase “rejoice in the Lord” encapsulates this truth: Christian joy is unshakable and anchored in Christ.

The first reason for this Christ-centred joy is what the Lord has done for us. He has surprised us by loving us to such the extent of making us the children of God. So, John breaks out in praise: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him” (1 John 3:1).

The reality that our Father is the creator of the universe through Jesus Christ is the most uplifting thought. This thought lifts us when we have to navigate through valleys of scarcity, anxiety, and all that dampens our spirits. Without Christ in our lives, we would seek joy in vain.

The second reason to rejoice in the Lord is his actions for us. Believers rejoice because of what he is doing for them. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we receive divine comfort when we are troubled, confused, and down. It is a daily, moment-by-moment experience. So he sent the Holy Spirit, the comforter, to be with us for the rest of our days.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper (Comforter), to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16—17). So he assured his followers, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

The third reason for Christian joy grounded in Christ is what he promised us. He has promised to gather us so we will be with him in eternity. He said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). These are intimate assurances from our loving Lord. And again: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?' (John 14:1—2).

Life in this world is not easy. It throws up situations that deprive us of joy. We should not live under the spell of these forever but focus on the Lord and “rejoice in the Lord.” When absolute joy goes dry, meditate on the Lord, what he has done, is doing, and will do, and replenish the stock of genuine joy.

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