An Act of Ultimate Trust
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
—Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
The directions in Philippians 4:4 seem simple, but they are also extremely difficult. In neutral or good times, this is an easy command to obey. But what about the hard times in our lives? On the surface it seems straightforward, but the more we work to integrate it into our complex and ever-changing lives, the deeper it becomes. Paul’s double insistence on joy in the Lord requires us to reflect on an emotion that transcends our circumstances.
We must remember that Paul’s words came during one of his multiple valleys, as he was speaking of joy while being imprisoned. He writes from a place of uncertainty at best but most likely from a place of suffering. However, his message is clear: true joy is not based on external conditions but on the unchanging nature of God. Rejoicing in the Lord is not about denying hardship or pretending everything is fine; it’s about recognizing that God's presence and faithfulness remain steadfast even during the trials of our lives.
When Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” there is an unspoken challenge in the word “always.” He is not suggesting that we should feel happy at all times. Rejoicing in the Lord is not just for the good days, but for the hard ones too. Happiness is often tied to our current achievements, relationships, or comforts. But joy in the Lord is rooted in something far deeper. It’s rooted in the truth of who God is, what He has done, and what He will do for us.
When life is heavy or unfair, we must decide to shift our focus from what is going wrong to what is eternally right. God’s goodness, sovereignty, provision, and grace will always rule. This is not a forced cheerfulness but a soulful joy that comes from knowing we are held by a God who is greater than our current circumstances. His love for us is unshakable, His promises are true, and His faithfulness never wavers. In this, we can always find the reason to rejoice, even when life is hard.
This is an act of ultimate trust. It is a way of admitting that we do not understand everything, but we trust in our Lord because He is enough. In moments of pain, uncertainty, or loss, this powerful declaration of faith can shift our hearts from anxiety to peace. It reminds us that our joy is not dependent on what we face, but on who our God is.
As we celebrate this Advent season, let us keep this command close to our hearts. Whatever we face, let us choose to rejoice in the Lord always. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude for His goodness, knowing that we always have a reason to be joyful.
About the Author
Meredith Quinene, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Program Director, Physician Assistant Studies program, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
Meredith Quinene, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, serves as the inaugural program director for Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences' Physician Assistant Studies program. Quinene joined the Baylor faculty in Fall 2023 from UT Health San Antonio’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, where she had served since 2015—most recently as Associate Professor and Academic Coordinator. Quinene is a licensed Physician Assistant with experience in a range of medical specialties, including traumatic brain injury and otolaryngology. She serves as Chair of the Physician Assistant Education Association Exam Development Board, as a Board Member for the Physician Assistant Education Association Assessment Advisory Board, and is an elected Texas delegate for the American Academy of Physician Assistants House of Delegates.
A proud Baylor Bear, Quinene earned her Bachelor of Science in Education (cum laude) from Baylor University, Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (summa cum laude) from UT Health San Antonio, Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Doctor of Health Science from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale. A soccer, football, and track mom, Quinene enjoys being with her family, cooking, and reading in her spare time—along with cheering on the Bears, of course.