Be careful!

Wash your hands!

Eat your vegetables!

Quit whining!

Don’t roll your eyes!

Remember to say “please” and “thank you.”

If you’re gonna sit with your friends in church, I’d better not catch you giggling during the sermon!

These are words some of us heard repeatedly as we were growing up. My parents knew our adherence

to these commands (they were NOT suggestions) would hopefully lead to harmony in the home – as well

as respect for their authority. But I also know now that these words were guard rails to keep me on the

right path.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul continually repeated some words too – words that he felt would

keep his believing friends on the right spiritual path. He put it this way:

Finally, my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord. To write the same things again

is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you. (Philippians 3:1 Amp)

He uses the word “rejoice” nine times in this one letter to the people of Philippi! He mentions it SIX

times before this particular verse! He is fully aware that he is repeating himself – it is intentional. And he

promises the readers that it’s no problem for him to keep repeating himself, because he knows it’s a

safeguard for them – guard rails to keep them on the right path.

Why does it bear repeating that we are to “continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord?” Basically, the

answer is: it’s spiritually healthy! It changes our attitude when we focus on all the reasons we have to

rejoice and delight in the Lord. It takes us from a whiney self-focus to a grateful God-focus.

Throughout the day today, I would like for you to take advantage of every little moment you can. When

you have a moment, list on a piece of paper or in the notes section of your phone one more reason you

have to rejoice in the Lord. No matter what’s going on around you, intentionally seek to squeeze in

another moment of rejoicing – and see what that does to your attitude and your countenance. Let today

be a good day for rejoicing!

By Judy Shrout