What does Philippians 4:4 mean?

Paul returns again to the theme of joy in this verse. This time, he strongly emphasizes that such an attitude should be constant, not temporary. This echoes the words of Philippians 3:1, to "rejoice in the Lord," a phrase Paul also uses in Philippians 4:10 regarding his own actions. Believers find their joy and hope in God. Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and is important for every believer.

Paul seems especially focused on the idea that rejoicing is to take place at all times. We often forget that Paul wrote these words while a prisoner in Rome. He had been wrongfully arrested for some time, shipwrecked on the way there, bitten by a snake, and left under house arrest for two years (Acts 27:39–8:16). He had every reason to complain, yet focused on rejoicing. Both his teaching and example provide an amazing model. Every believer should seek to rejoice in the Lord despite difficult situations, just as Paul did.