Rejoice In The Lord

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.” ( Philippians 3:1 )

 Paul obviously wishes joy for the Christian.  However, not every occasion is joyful.  Plus it is possible for us to lay stumbling stones before our own joy.  

Misplaced confidence could be a part of lost joy.  In what do we take confidence? Rejoicing in the Lord, we are not to place confidence in the flesh.  Now in the flesh could include our good works or religious attainments.   

Paul spells it out as he continues chapter three.  He points out that if we were to have confidence in the flesh it would be in Jewish legalism.  Present day application would be for us to have confidence in our own spiritual discipline.  Every success in the Lord’s work is a broken reed if we lean on it for security.   

If we are to have constant joy, our attitude can best be expressed in the old hymn:  

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

Jesus is our confidence and service is our response.

                                               -- Author unknown  … via .. The Sower