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Title:
"Rejoice
in the Lord Alway"
Author: Arthur W. Pink
"Rejoice
in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4
Why should I, who am by nature no different from
the careless and godless throngs all around, have been chosen in Christ
before the foundation of the world and now blest with all spiritual
blessings in the heavenlies in Him? Why was I, that once was an alien
and a rebel, signaled out for such wondrous favors? Ah, that is
something I cannot fathom. Such grace, such love, "passeth
knowledge." But if my mind is unable to discern a reason, my
heart can express its gratitude in praise and adoration. But not only
should I be grateful to God for His grace toward me in the past, His
present dealings will fill me with thanksgivings. What is the force of
that word "Rejoice in the Lord alway" (Phil. 4:4)? Mark
it is not "Rejoice in the Saviour", but we are to "Rejoice
in the Lord", as "Lord", As THE MASTER OF EVERY
CIRCUMSTANCE. Need we remind the reader that when the apostle penned
these words he was himself a prisoner in the hands of the Roman
government. A long course of affliction and suffering lay behind him.
Perils on land and perils on sea, hunger and thirst, scourging and
stoning, had all been experienced. He had been persecuted by those
within the church as well as by those without: the very ones who ought
to have stood by him had forsaken him. And still he writes, "Rejoice
in the Lord alway" What was the secret of his peace and
happiness? Ah! had not this same apostle written, "And we know
that all things work tegether for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28)? But
how did he, and how do we, "know", that all things work
together for good? The answer is, Because all things are under the
control of and are being regulated by the Supreme Sovereign, and because
He has naught but thoughts of love toward His own, then "all
things are so ordered by Him that they are MADE TO MINISTER TO OUR
ULTIMATE GOOD. It is for this cause we are to give "thanks
always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:20). Yes, give thanks for "all
things" for, as it has been well said "Our disappointments
are but His appointments." To the one who delights in the
sovereignty of God the clouds not only have a 'silver lining' but they
are silvern all through, the darkness only serving to offset the light!
* * *
Editor & Publisher,
“Heavenly Notes 2000”
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