Luke 10:20 (ESV) … “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Why do we serve the Lord? We serve the Lord because we love Him, and we desire His fellowship rather than serving Him for personal benefits. Therefore, we can rejoice at all times, and not just when our circumstances are to our benefit. Note these insightful words from Frances J. Roberts:
“Rejoice. Rejoice not so much in victories as in the fact that I am leading. Praise Me. Not so much for My blessings as for My love which prompts them. Serve Me with gladness, not for the ultimate nor present reward, but for the thrill of knowing that we labor together; that I stand beside thee in every enterprise however trivial.”
Note that Philippians 4:4 does not say to rejoice in or victories or in our blessings. It tells us to rejoice “in the Lord.”
Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Satan accused Job of serving God for personal benefit rather than for his love towards God.
Job 1:9–11, “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”
Job 2:4–5, “And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.”[1]
In Christ & Friends Always,
Bro. Chris.
[1] Everett, G. H. (2011). The Gospel of Luke (p. 203). Gary Everett.