Some words produce different reactions. Some positive. Some negative. Some produce happiness. Some produce sadness. In Philippians 3 we see a word that produces life, rejoice.
Rejoicing produces the kind of life that brings fulfillment and happiness.
- Rejoicing exalts the Lord
- We are called to such exalting (Psalm 34:1-3)
- The Lord is worthy of praise
- Rejoicing expresses gratitude
- He hears our cry to Him
- He delivers us
Legend of the Origin of Praise
An old Jewish legend says that after God created the world, He called the angels to Him and asked what they thought of it; one said, “One thing is lacking: the sound of praise to the Creator.” So God created music, and it was heard in the whispers of the wind, and in the songs of the birds; and to man was also given the gift of song. And through all the ages, this gift has indeed proved a blessing to a multitude of people.
- Rejoicing affects our outlook
- Helps us recognize God’s presence
- Helps us recognize His power at work
- Helps us to find cheerfulness in the presence of what would be gloom (Philippians 4:4)
It is important that we take this simple word, rejoice, and apply it to our lives. It is indeed a word that gives life and makes life meaningful.
Irvin's Legacy 