Note 9 at Phil. 4:4: Joy is something we have. Rejoicing is something we do (see note 2 at Phil. 3:1, p. 1166). The reason most people don't rejoice always, as instructed here, is because they don't know that they already have joy (see note 18 at Gal. 5:22, p. 1084).

Note 10 at Phil. 4:4: Notice that Paul instructed us to "rejoice IN THE LORD." Our joy is in the Lord. That means that our joy is in our born-again spirit (see note 18 at Gal. 5:22, p. 1084). Joy doesn't come from the outside in response to circumstances; it comes from the inside and is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). We always have joy but we have to choose to rejoice.

Note 11 at Phil. 4:4: Everyone wants to rejoice, and most people do rejoice at times, but Paul commanded us to "rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS." That seems unreasonable and impossible to most people. They think, "You can't always be rejoicing even through bad times!" But the Lord would be unjust to command us to do something that is unobtainable. Rejoicing at all times is not only possible; it is preferable!

It's true that we can't rejoice at all times if we are waiting for our circumstances to be good. Even in the few times when everything seems to be just right, we will have some sorrow because of past tragedies or future fears. Our rejoicing has to be in the Lord (see note 9 at this verse).

Note 12 at Phil. 4:4: This command (see note 11 at this verse) differs from the thinking of most people to such an extent that they would think they were surely misunderstanding Paul. So, to leave no doubt that he meant just what he said, he repeated himself. This emphasizes this truth and leaves no room for explaining this away-we are to "rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS."

Note 13 at Phil. 4:4: This is not a suggestion or a request from Paul. It is a command from their apostle and it was inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is a command for us too. Those who don't follow this command are breaking the Word of God just as much as those who don't follow some of the moral laws such as not stealing, committing adultery, and so forth. This is a law of the Lord.

That removes any doubt that we don't have authority over our emotions. If emotions were only chemical reactions to circumstances over which we had no control, then the Lord would be unjust to give us an impossible command and hold us accountable (Dt. 28:47-48). But God is not unjust and we are commanded to rejoice ALWAYS. Therefore, we can and should control our emotions.

Note 14 at Phil.4:4: The word "rejoice" is used a total of 192 times in scripture. There were many grounds and occasions to rejoice recorded in the scriptures. The following are just a few. We are to rejoice...before the Lord our God (Lev. 23:40; Dt. 12:12, 18); in God's salvation (1 Sam. 2:1); those that seek the Lord (1 Chr. 16:10); in goodness (2 Chr. 6:41); in God's mercy (Ps. 31:7); when we sing (Ps. 71:23); because our names are written in heaven (Lk. 10:20); in the light (Jn. 5:35); in hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:2); in the day of Christ (Phil. 2:16); in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:3); in sufferings (Col. 1:24).

Twice in this verse Paul encourages the Philippians to "rejoice." This is even more unusual when we realize that Paul was in prison at the time of this writing. Outward circumstances may sometimes be against us but inward joy can always be ours because we are "in the Lord" (see note 18 at Rom. 16:11, p. 849; note 14 at 1 Cor. 1:30, p. 865; and note 7 at 2 Cor. 5:17, p. 1005). We may be content in all situations for God has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5), and in His presence is fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11). No matter what our circumstances we can always be glad, take great pleasure in and enjoy the Lord.