The Choice to Rejoice (Philippians 4:4) Religion Case Study

The Choice to Rejoice
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The Choice to Rejoice (Philippians 4:4)
Introduction
Even when the world is full of much uncertainty, Christians are encouraged to rejoice in the Lord all times. One might find it quite insane to "rejoice always," especially in the middle of a storm, a trial, or temptation. We cannot rejoice in all circumstances, as it is impossible to smile when you are feeling depressed or are in distress. Is God telling us to pretend to be okay when we are not? Should we always rejoice even when God seems slack concerning his promises to us? What duty do we have as Christians to pray for a better relationship with God and, importantly, to rejoice in him? There is a lot to this verse than we can fathom. As I draw our minds to this verse, I pray that each of us may trust that the Lord's word is accurate. What then does the Bible tell us in regards to rejoicing always?
We ought to understand that joy can only be found in God and not in anything we possess. Only God alone can teach us to rejoice amidst a failing marriage, a financial crisis, loss of a job, or death of a spouse. As cruel as it might sound, rejoicing always is a command that calls us to not only delight but to rejoice always in the Lord. We see how Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God despite being prisoners (Acts 16: 25). They did not let the situation they were in bar them from worshipping God. They must have believed that their God is sure to save them even in that situation. And the Lord did indeed deliver them. Similarly, the Lord is asking us today to be joyful Christians always even when things seem not to work out in our lives because, in the Lord, there is salvation.
It is one thing to rejoice and another to rejoice in the Lord. The Bible reminds us that there is hope even when our lives seem hopeless. The Bible says that "the joy of the Lord is my strength"(Nehemiah 8: 10 King James Version). We ought to understand that the joy of the Lord is the basis of our relationship with God. Nehemiah urged God's children not to weep nor mourn but instead to rejoice because the joy of the Lord was their strength. The joy of the Lord strengthens us to claim God's promises even amidst our hopelessness. The same God who provided a lamb for Abraham when he was about to offer his Son as a sacrifice is the same one that will calm all your fears. He is mighty to save, and with his love, he will take away your distress.
Wondering where you will find the strength to rejoice in the Lord always, Hebrews 4:16 informs us that if we come unto the throne of grace, we will find mercy to help us in our time of need. Knowing that God is our strength in every circumstance of our lives, I believe we have nothing to fear. What would bar us from rejoicing in him always when God is in full control of our lives? "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" also reminds us that the grace we need for our every trial is found in Christ alone (2 Corinthians 12:9 King James Version). There is no such peace as knowing that the Lord is aware of everything going on in our lives and offers hope for each of us.
We get a reminder that the joy...