December 17th 2025

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

As a verse alone, I read this as a command. I imagine someone standing outside, talking to a crowd, making a passionate speech to rejoice! “Say it with me! Rejoice!” And the crowd goes wild.

And although I’m all in for collective moments, this verse is not from a passionate speech or story, but instead written in a letter by Paul to encourage the church while he was in jail. No live audiences, no hip hip hoorays… just a written and desperate reminder to rejoice in the Lord. That no matter our circumstances, no matter what’s happening in the world around us, true joy is found in Jesus. Full stop.

Why was it so important for him to remind the church and us to rejoice in this way?

Because it’s easy to lose sight of the true joy that God promises. Paul deeply believed during one of his darker, lonelier moments that God was with him no matter what and there was a great need to REJOICE in that truth. And that truth calls for some rowdy celebration. 

Whatever season you’re in, my hope is that this verse reminds you that you are never alone and God’s joy is for you. 

In what way can you share in rejoicing with someone around you today?

- Kelly Wisner