MORNING MANNA.         2-19-24

CHRISTIAN JOY    
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

Just so, “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing,” says Paul, speaking of his own experience.

The believer’s joy does not exclude sorrow, but . . .
  attends it,
  sustains under it,
  and raises above it.

Joy in the Lord should be constant–for He is the same.
There is as much ground for joy in Him in the winter of adversity–as in the summer of prosperity.
He is as good when he chides us–as when He comforts us.
He is as gracious when He lays us low–as when He raises us up.
He is as kind when He takes away–as when He gives.

If our joy springs chiefly from creature good and agreeable circumstances–then it must be fluctuating at the best, and at times it will entirely dry up. But if our chief joy is in God, then the spring of it never fails!

“When all created streams are dried,
 His fullness is the same!”

Observe, my soul, that joy in the Lord is not only encouraged–but commanded.
After once giving the admonition, the apostle says, “Again I say, Rejoice.”

The Lord would have His children . . .
  happy in His love,
  restful under the shelter of His wings,
  and peaceful in the midst of storms.

Seek then to know more of Him, live upon His fullness, dwell on His unchanging grace–and so will you be joyful in Him even in the midst of tribulation! Author unknown, 1872