This week, I have had the tune of that old hymn, “Rejoice, the Lord is King,” running through my mind and heart. When he wrote this hymn, it is certain that Charles Wesley had Philippians 4:4 in mind: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! The original tune for the song is said to have been written by Handel, but that is not the tune most of us know.

Regardless of the tune, the message of the song is clear: Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has overcome sin and death for us and is worth worshipping. Rejoice today; because, had you been the only one on the face of the earth, He still would have died for you!

Turn your hearts towards God today as you read the first and fourth stanzas of this great hymn.

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

Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord, the Judge, shall come
            And take His servants up to their eternal home.
            Lift up your heart; Lift up your voice! Rejoice again, I say rejoice!