Rejoice. And again I say rejoice.

Theologically profound moments happen in the check out line at Walmart.

Yes, Walmart with my loud, handsy children who won’t.stop.asking.for.candy. Walmart when I want to meltdown just as much, if not more than they do. Or maybe it’s not Walmart. I’m a stay at mom with three kids six and under. My opportunities for sanctification come fast and furious.

Philippians 4:4 is a gentle reminder of what our hearts should look like, and why.  

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

We who claim to be Christ-followers we represent the gospel – of law AND grace – in every mundane moment. Let your gentleness be evident to all. So in Walmart – maybe I’m down at eye level, not raising my voice at the wee ones. Maybe I just offered a kind word to the cashier.

And Jesus knows, I need grace even for that. Because, let’s be honest, most days I am barely keeping myself together and the children fed and clothed. And again with the honesty … the clothing is not always guaranteed.

But when I rest in the Lord, all the days, even the hard ones-the meltdowns, and the mundane-they are recipes for grace, for rejoicing.

He is near. 

And truly, … every thought, word, and deed we have in this lifetime is a response, sacrificial or selfish, to the grace we’ve been given. For that, for grace, and the gospel, we rejoice. And the gentleness becomes an outpouring of Christ at work in us.

He is near.

And friends? When we rejoice, we receive peace.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

So today, in the checkout lines, maybe just at your kitchen sink, maybe at your desk?

Rejoice. And again I say, rejoice.

Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! ~ Charles Wesley, Rejoice The Lord is King