I keep hearing this phrase in my mind: "The anatomy of rejoicing." I don't know what it means.~Journal entry, June 19, 2025 

I'm really bad at rejoicing. I overthink and often dwell on what can go wrong. I asked God for help. He must have known I needed some rejoicing lessons and planted this phrase in my mind.

The first lesson began by returning to that verse in Philippians 4:4. "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." How many times have I sung this Scripture song by rote, even thinking it was cheesy and fake and saccharine? And yet, I knew in my spirit that rejoicing in the Lord was none of these things. I sensed the Lord reminded me that even when things do go wrong, I can always rejoice in Him, in His attributes. I can always depend on Him to be perfectly loving, to provide and protect, to strengthen and sustain, to offer a way through, to supply peace when I feel anxious and overthink. "Can you not authentically always rejoice in me?" He seemed to ask.  

Lesson two presented itself in the next portion of the passage (5-7) in Philippians: "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The comfort that knowing the "Lord is near" felt reassuring. Even in the natural, having someone near, feeling someone's hand in yours, is all it takes sometimes to try something new, to take a step, to get better at something. I could do this. I didn't have to be bad at rejoicing.  

Lesson three was simply to begin. I'm improving. Throughout the day, I tell the Lord how much I appreciate who He is. This is not difficult. I rejoice that I find sanctuary on His strong shoulders. I say, "Lord, how could I live without your presence in my life, this world so frantic with yearning. They don't realize they long for you. This rejoicing assuages my own longing, Lord. I am so grateful. How can I truly express my thankfulness for you?"

Rejoicing in Him leads me to form repentence on my lips. Rejoicing in Him allows me to receive His peace. Rejoicing causes me to lift my head to the blue portal of sky I view through the tall, lanky pines that already lift their branches in praise--those trees that would continue to praise Him, even if I refuse to sound my voice. Oh, God, keep me singing. Keep me singing.

I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul!

He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness.

As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.~Isaiah 61:10 (The Message Bible)