BE - Rejoicing!

 Be*

[ bee; unstressed bee, bi ]

 VERB

·       having the state, quality, identity, nature, role, etc., specified:

·       to occupy a place or position:

 

I have recently found myself being drawn back to the Biblical book of Philippians.  It, along with the New Testament books of Colossians and Ephesians are my favorite books in the Bible and throughout the years, have rotated back and forth in order of top preference to me!

One of the most interesting… and I must say “EXCITING” and unique aspects of this letter was that it was written during one of the lowest times in Paul’s life, when he was confined in a dingy jail cell while waiting for the final decision of his case… which most likely would be concluded with his death.

Now, you’re most likely wondering how I could possibly consider calling the background of this letter as “EXCITING!”  Well… you’d have to read the letter to understand… and when you do read this letter, you’ll quickly realize that it is the most cheerful, joyous and encouraging letter to his readers that Paul ever wrote!

I have heard it said that “The book of Philippians is Paul’s personal manifesto on how to live a life full of joy.”**  In every chapter you’ll repeatedly find the words “JOY, REJOICING” or “BE GLAD” as the Apostle speaks of and describes the attitude of his life and encourages his followers to BE the same!

The one verse that seems to sum up the entire book is found in Philippians 4:4 where Paul simply stated,

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (KJV) 

My current favorite version of this profound statement is from the modern Passion Translation Bible, where the translators help the reader to understand Paul’s intent and thereby allow for an easier practical application of the verse by saying,

“BE cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let (your) joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!” 

But the simplest and most accurate translation of the verse that gives the clearest language to Paul’s meaning, is found in the Kenneth S. Wuest New Testament, Expanded Translation where he wrote,

“BE rejoicing in the Lord always. Again I say, BE rejoicing.”

I say the ‘clearest language’ because of the emphasis on the words “BE Rejoicing”…for therein is Paul’s clear intent on the meaning of and life action that he is trying to convey to us, his readers.

You’ll notice from the definitions of the word “BE” on the title of today’s post, that “BE” describes the lifestyle of the one who “occupies the position, the state, the quality, the identity, the nature, and the role specified” …which role in this case, is to “BE Rejoicing!”

Robertson’s Word Pictures tells us that the ancient Greek word “REJOICE” that is used throughout the book of Philippians, is a “Present Active Imperative” which in the original Greek, “is a command that is expected to be followed not only once, but as an ongoing process.”***

My late wife Piper was a perfect living and breathing example of the point that Paul was making throughout the book of Philippians and of this verse in particular.  In the 48 years that we were together… beginning in high school, almost 53 years to the day today… I would be hard-pressed to remember a time when she was without a smile on her face, an encouraging word emanating from her lips and a special JOY that originated from a deep conviction of the love of Jesus Christ.

She, like the Apostle Paul, was proof that such a lifestyle could actually exist in today’s topsy-turvy world.  But that doesn’t mean that it is an easy lifestyle to maintain.  It takes lots of practice, lots of time spent in fellowship with the Lord in His Word, a positive and supportive circle of like-minded friends… and sometimes daily – or even moment-by-moment decisions to “BE Rejoicing” …in the midst of any situation or circumstance that should arise throughout your daily life.

I’ve personally learned that to “BE Rejoicing” helps me to think before I react to adverse situations, keeps me in a peaceful state of mind and body and assists me in thinking, saying and then doing the right thing at the right time (most of the time…)!

So… what do you think about all that?  How are you at “BEing Rejoicing” at all times? 

I think that we could all improve at this… But as far as I am concerned… If God, through the Apostle Paul says that it is possible… then – I can do it… for as the above Passion Translation explains: “we are united with the Anointed One!”  And then a few verses later Paul also reminds us that:

“We can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.” 

You know?  It’s really pretty straight forward when you think about it.  It is a way of life that the Word tells us to live… and then goes on to teach us HOW to DO it and HOW to MAINTAIN it in our lives!  Isn’t God Good!

Have a great rest of your short work week, and as you do… “BE Rejoicing” and let God’s BEST direct you and pour through you unto others!

 

 

*Oxford Online Dictionaries/dictionary.com

** Introduction to “Be Joyful” by Warren W. Wierbe / Published by David C Cook -         Second Edition 2008

*** https://www.ancientgreekkeyboard.com/grammar-practice/present-active-imperative-verb-endings.html