10/26/2026
Pastor’s Verse of the Week
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Let’s face it, some days it’s a whole lot easier to rejoice than others.
When life is going well, the bills are paid, the family is healthy, and everything seems to be falling into place, it’s easy to praise God.
But what about those days when nothing seems to go right? When the bills keep coming, the doctor’s report isn’t what you hoped for, or you’re just plain tired of dealing with life’s struggles?
Notice what Paul says. He doesn’t say to rejoice when everything is going your way. He says to rejoice ALWAYS.
And here’s what makes that so powerful: Paul wrote these words while he was in prison. His circumstances were anything but pleasant, yet he still found a reason to rejoice.
Why? Because our joy isn’t supposed to depend on what’s happening around us. It comes from Who lives within us.
There’s a big difference between happiness and joy. Happiness often depends on our circumstances, but the joy we have in Christ can remain even when life gets difficult.
That doesn’t mean we have to pretend everything is okay. It doesn’t mean we won’t experience sadness, disappointment, or heartache.
It simply means that even in the middle of those difficult moments, we still have a God who loves us, walks with us, and will never leave us.
So here’s my encouragement for you this week:
Don’t let what’s going wrong in your life cause you to forget everything that’s still right about your God.
Find something to thank Him for today. Even if it’s something small.
Because no matter what this week brings, God is still good, God is still faithful, and God is still worthy of our praise!
Have a blessed week!
— Pastor Jeff
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Real People. Real God. A Real Difference.