Rejoice in the Lord

In Philippians 3:1, Paul tells the saints to "rejoice in the Lord." Neither he nor the Philippian saints were in situations the world would consider "joyous." He was in prison and they were experiencing intense persecution as well as disruptions within the congregation. Paul is speaking of Gospel joy; that true, abiding and eternal joy that looks beyond the moment and, peering into the realm of heaven, beholds the glory of the divine purpose. This is a joy that tenaciously holds fast to God's gracious promises.