Paul says in Philippians 4:4 – “ALWAYS be glad because of the Lord!  I will say it again: BE GLAD”! (exclamation made is mine).

The dictionary defines glad or gladness as: feeling joy or pleasure; delighted; pleased; glad about the good news.  Characterized by showing cheerfulness, joy or pleasure, as looks or utterances (words/expressions).

I’ve noticed recently that so many of the those who claim to follow our Lord Jesus would be characterized better by some of these terms: gloom, doom, dreary, depressed, grave, sad.  And some would better be defined as angry, mad and caustic.  Somewhere along the way we’ve lost our joy.

The command in Philippians 4 is not a suggestion.  Instead it’s a statement of purpose, presupposing that you understand “who” you are…”who” He is and “where” you’re headed.  It’s built upon the fact that we worship a sovereign God who is ultimately IN CHARGE!  Paul is assuming that you understand that your joy is not tied to temporary treasures of this material world…but instead in the citizenship of an eternal place of glory!

Allow me to remind you of this command!  Not a suggestion…not a hope.  It’s a “DO THIS NOW” statement…almost like a “DON’T MAKE ME SAY THIS AGAIN” type reprimand that I’ve often announced to the munchkins in the back seat.

We live in a post Christian nation.  We stand up and shout “be like us”, and the world shouts back “why should I”? Can we blame them? With gloom and doom on our faces…who would ever want to be like us?

Instead…find that missing gladness again.  Rejoice…sing…be joyful!  He is victorious…and coming again to get you!  He is with you now and has never left you.
Shout…stomp your feet and proclaim His goodness from the top of your lungs.
You’ll find it’s contagious…and will change your surroundings.  It’ll give you a spring in your step and tell the world that you have some insiders scoop!
Those around you will want it and find their way to Jesus because of it.  And that my friend is the ONLY answer for this sinful world!

Sing the songs of Zion – cause the King is COMING and with Him will be His reward!