Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the lord always, and again I say rejoice”
When my mother reached her 90th birthday I reminded her that birthdays are good for you. Statistics prove that those who have the most, live the longest. I am blessed to belong to a very close and loving family. Even when my mother was well into her old age she never lost her keen sense of humour. She always had a twinkle in her eye. She loved a good laugh. And when her grandchildren visited her she was as happy as a lamb with two tails. Growing up in our home was great. The house was always full of friends and neighbours. The craic was tremendous. People felt welcomes and loved. I can hardly remember a row or cross word, but lots of fun and laughter.
The Bible says that a merry heart does good like a medicine. But a broken spirit dries the bones. (Prov.17:22) My wife and I have been happily married for 53 years. I think one of the foundations of our lasting relationship has been the ability to laugh with and at each other. (Sometimes people take themselves too seriously.) I’m happy to say that though life is a serious business we don’t have a sour faced religion. We haven’t been baptised in lemon juice. Our relationship with God is a joy. It’s a delight to know Him. We serve Him with gladness. Christians face the same vicissitudes as everyone else. We are not bubble wrapped. We know pain, disappointment, trouble and tough times. But if what we claim is real, then people need to see some evidence of it.
Joyfulness is such an attractive quality. One of the most positive and joyful books in the Bible is Philippians. The words joy and rejoice is used 16 times. Yet, it is known as a Prison Epistle. It was written by the Apostle Paul when he was in jail. He urges his readers to, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice.” (Phil.4:4) Someone pointed out, that in scripture, it never recorded Jesus laughed. While that may be scripturally correct, I hardly think it should say to us that He always looked serious and unsmiling. I cannot imagine Jesus being at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, which usually lasted a week or so, sitting in the corner looking miserable while the bride and groom, and the rest of the guests were dancing, laughing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. I would imagine that He would be so happy for the couple He would at least have a broad smile on His face. Christianity is meant to be enjoyed.
A popular Christian lady author, Barbara Johnson, after going through a traumatic time, wrote a book called, ‘Pain is inevitable, misery is optional. So stick a geranium in your hat and be happy.’ Rejoice in the lord always, and again I say rejoice.
- Pastor David Goudy