Where can we find a lasting joy? We find it first and foremost in the Lord. Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1). Lest we miss it, he says it again in the next chapter – twice (4:4). Paul is clear: we should find our joy in the Lord.

Keep in mind the context in which he is writing. He isn’t at the beach soaking in the sun in 80 degree weather (some of us northerners would like that about now). No, he is in prison chained to a guard. And he writes, rejoice in the Lord. And he isn’t just saying it but not living it either. He was thrown in jail when he was in Philippi too, and what was he doing? Praying and singing hymns to God – rejoicing in the Lord (Acts 16). In his suffering, he was still rejoicing in the Lord. Where can we find lasting joy even in the midst of suffering? We find lasting joy in the Lord.

So how can we grow in this joy? Three thoughts:

First, treasure the Lord above all. If Christ is our life (1:21), then that is where we will find our joy. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21 that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. If Jesus is our treasure, then he is where our heart will be, he is where we will find our joy. And no one and nothing can steal that joy from you because no one and nothing can steal Him from you. Treasure the Lord above all.

Second, press on to know the Lord more. This is exactly what we find Paul doing (3:8-14). He wants to know Christ more and more. And as we know him more, as we draw near to him, as we “taste” of him, we find that he is good (Psalm 34:8). Always good. And so we can always rejoice in him. Psalm 100 begins with a call to rejoice in the Lord and ends with the reasons: his goodness, his love, and his faithfulness. The more you draw near and know his goodness, love, and faithfulness in your life, the more you will rejoice in him. So press on to know the Lord more.

Third, remember his blessings to you. We are to pray with thanksgiving (4:7). Consider his many blessings to you. He is the source of every blessing. All the good things you rightly rejoice in come from him, so rejoice in him. As you rejoice in his blessings, rejoice even more in the source.

Rejoice in the Lord. I will say it again: rejoice!