Can Paul be serious? How can I rejoice today, let alone always? Maybe you’re asking that question. Maybe you’re struggling with sickness in yourself or a loved one. Maybe you’re wrestling with an addiction or a besetting sin. Maybe you’re just tired out from the daily demands of life.

But Paul was no stranger to troubles. After all, chapter 1 tells us that he wrote this letter from prison, probably in Rome, as the end of the book of Acts describes. And yet, along with Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34, he could say that we shouldn’t be anxious or worry about anything.

In short, neither Jesus nor Paul believed that the ability to live a joyful life is determined by our outward circumstances. Instead, Paul insists that, in the midst of our problems, we should make the effort to set our minds only on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and excellent and praiseworthy (v. 8). Moreover, in verse 9 Paul reminds us that we must put all these good and right and true ideas into practice. In other words, if we do our part to change the circumstances around us, or to make things better for others, we shouldn’t be surprised if the result is more joy for ourselves.

But none of these good thoughts or actions will go very far if they don’t flow from a real relationship with God. After all, the peace of God in verse 7 can only come from the God of peace in verse 9. And that’s why the first key to rejoicing in all circumstances, as Paul says in verse 6, is prayer. No matter what our problems are, instead of worrying about them or raging at the injustice of the world, we must take those things to the Lord in prayer. But we must combine our requests with thanksgiving for what God has already done for us. Keeping our present blessings in mind helps to put even the most difficult of our circumstances into perspective.

And it also helps to remember the future blessings God has promised to us. After all, verse 5 says that the Lord is near in time – that He is coming soon. And it is only after His promised return that all the problems of our lives will truly be solved. Knowing that it is impossible to produce Heaven on Earth before that day will go a long way to reducing our frustration, and to helping us be satisfied with the blessings we currently enjoy.

But verse 5 has another, even more precious meaning – the Lord, in the Person of His Holy Spirit, is also near in space. In fact, He is living within all who trust in Him right now. So, while we wait for His return to make all things right, while we set our minds on pure and holy things, while we do our part to put things right, and while we pray and give thanks to God, we can experience the peace and the joy that can only come from the presence of God in our lives today. And if the Spirit of Christ is in us, we can rejoice even as Paul did in prison, and even as Jesus did as He went to the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

Philippians 4:2-23 (ESV)

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me– practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.