TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:2–9
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
In our situation today, can we truly rejoice in the Lord?
What is the difference between happiness and joy? Happiness depends on happenings, while joy is much more profound and dependent on how deep our relationship is with the Lord. If the Holy Spirit is within us, joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit; it is important for each believer. Paul strongly emphasized that such an attitude should be constant, not temporary. That was why he said, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (v. 4). Believers find their joy and hope not in what the world can give but in God.
We often forget that when Paul wrote Philippians, he was a prisoner in Rome. He had been wrongfully arrested for some time, shipwrecked on the way there, bitten by a snake, and left under house arrest for two years. With all the sufferings he had to endure, he had every reason to complain, yet he focused on rejoicing. And that rejoicing is to take place at all times. Both his teaching and example provide an amazing model despite being wrongly accused. Every believer should seek to rejoice in the Lord in all situations, even difficult ones—just as Paul did.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us understand that true joy is rooted in our relationship with You, a joy that remains constant. We seek to follow Paul’s lead and find joy in You at all times, regardless of our situations. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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