GOD’S “SAFEGUARD” IS NOT A SECRET FOR YOU – BUT RARELY USED!
“Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”- {Phil 3:1.}
“Safeguard “- Is a Greek word “aphales” is taken from a verb meaning “to trip up, overthrow or cause to stumble.” Here the negative prefix (“a”) is added and thus describes “that which has stability and firmness so as NOT be easily tripped up or overthrown.”
We can often be like a boxer in a defensive position, on the ropes, taking a hammering, when you have the power to not only fight back but to win. Your victory in the spiritual realm, is in who you are in Him, and what He has given us as a weapon for the fight is “rejoicing in the LORD.” To choose to rejoice in the LORD, when you don’t feel like it, is to fight against…your “feelings,” or “unfavorable circumstances,” which at times are “down,” and will trip you up, and cause instability…, to spiritually trip you up…is a certainty, when we choose to refuse to obey the command to “Rejoice in the Lord.” Note, you cannot command an emotion and this is not what he is saying and we often misinterpret it. He is commanding a choice of the will. He is the Focus. His Word. Read Philippians, and underline where He is mentioned and make a list of reasons to know Him better and to rejoice in Him. Then PRAY your findings back to Him and thus have “fuel” for your rejoicing in the LORD!
Circumstances are temporal. He is eternal! Your salvation because of Him is eternal, Rejoice in the LORD. Focus your THINKING on Him and not your feelings, which are ever changing. Focus on His faithfulness, your future which is secure with Him! Focus on HIM, His promises, His harvest, your opportunities to pray and serve others. “Rejoice in the LORD!” It is a safeguard, to keep you from spiritually tripping up. Study His character, Rest in His Love, Rejovce In The Lord’s Provision for you!