Rejoice!

Punctuation is the act or system of using specific marks or symbols in writing to separate different elements from each other. Punctuation is also used to make writing clearer. There are fourteen punctuation marks used in English. The most common of which are full stops or periods, commas, question marks, colons, semicolons, exclamation marks, and quotation marks. The original biblical texts did not contain any punctuation, there were no spaces between words either. It was not until the seventh century that translators incorporated the use of spaces and accents when translating from Ancient Hebrew or Greek to English. This was done to assist the English reader in understanding the Word of God because in its original form, scripture would not be understood by readers who did not speak the original language. You might be wondering why I am referencing punctuation in this month’s devotion. I am somewhat of a grammar and word geek. With that in mind, I have chosen to use punctuation, specifically exclamation marks, as this month’s illustrative focus. Exclamation marks are defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary as, “a distinctive indication of major significance, interest, or contrast.” An exclamation mark is used to express a strong emotion or urgency. 

Philippians 4:4, in the NIV translation of the Bible reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Notice the use of an exclamation mark to punctuate Paul’s command to rejoice. This call to action, to show great joy or delight is expected regardless of the circumstance or situation. Paul who went from persecutor to the persecuted, suffered greatly because of his commitment to following Jesus. He endured a shipwreck, a poisonous snake, and a tumultuous storm. He also spent sleepless nights cold, hungry, and thirsty. He was beaten with rods, pummeled with stones, and whipped with 39 lashes. Yet, through his suffering, Paul learned to be content (Philippians 4:11). While in a Roman prison, he was inspired to write these words to the church at Philippi. Imprisonment was not new to Paul. Over his thirty-five-year ministry, he found himself imprisoned three times, spending approximately five and a half years in custody of the Romans. 

Paul, who endured three decades of suffering for the cause of Christ, remained faithful and suffered with joy. He knew that there was purpose in all that God allowed and therefore he chose to rejoice (Romans 5:3-5). Throughout his repeated experiences of suffering, Paul chose joy. Due to his life’s journey, Paul held the credentials necessary to teach us to suffer with joy for the Gospel’s sake (2 Timothy 2:10-12). Therefore, his emphatic command to rejoice has major significance. My sister, are you willing to suffer with joy as Paul did? When you and I follow Paul’s example and suffer with joy, we point others to Jesus, the source of our strength and joy. The ability to suffer with joy comes from knowing that the adversity and struggle we face provide the fertile soil for us to grow (Romans 8:1, James 1:2-4). The ability to suffer with joy comes from knowing that our faithful and joyful endurance shows that we belong to God (2 Timothy 3:12-13). The ability to suffer with joy comes from knowing that suffering is temporary (Psalm 30:5, John 16:21-22). 

I am determined to follow Paul’s example and suffer with joy knowing that when the storms of life come and I find myself lost and out of sorts, I will remember that God is in control. At no point nor at any time has He HIs way. He will carry me through (Isaiah 46:3-4). I am determined to follow Paul’s example and suffer with joy knowing that if God is with me and for me, everything is going to be fine (Romans 8:28-31). I am determined to follow Paul’s example and suffer with joy knowing that because I am His daughter, God will bring me safely through whatever I face, and nothing will separate me from His love (Romans 8:35). I am determined to follow Paul’s example and suffer with joy knowing that even when I find myself in deep, dark despair, I am safe in the arms of Jesus (Deuteronomy 1:31, Psalm 91:4). I am determined to follow Paul’s command to rejoice knowing that the God I serve is Sovereign and He works all things together for good. Sisters, I invite you to join me in responding to Paul’s command to rejoice with the knowledge that Jesus already won the ultimate victory. As His daughters, we too will be victorious (1 John 5:4). With that knowledge, I will rejoice!

Join me Under The Church Hat for this month’s devotion: 

Describe in less than 250 words something you have suffered with joy through. 

Describe the way you will respond to Paul’s call to action, to rejoice throughout this month, in less than 250 words. 

Write a prayer of gratitude to God for the strength you gain from The Holy Spirit’s presence during times of difficulty. 

Read the book of Acts throughout this month and focus on the joy you experience because of your in Christ Jesus. 

Choose a passage of scripture from this devotion to meditate on throughout the month.