The call to "rejoice" in Scripture carries a deep spiritual meaning and indicates that a Christian's life should be filled with celebration, regardless of external circumstances.

Embracing the Eternal Celebration

The call to "rejoice" in Scripture carries a deep spiritual meaning and indicates that a Christian's life should be filled with celebration, regardless of external circumstances. It is not merely an emotional state or superficial merriment, but a profound acknowledgment of the divine blessings bestowed upon the believer. It is precisely because the Son of God became man, freed us from death, and invited us into His kingdom that every moment of life becomes a reason for true celebration. As one commentary writes:

"Truly, the present time is a time of celebration. He said, 'let us celebrate' not because it was then Easter or Pentecost, but to show that for Christians every time is a time of celebration, through the abundance of blessings granted.

What good is truly missing?

For you, the Son of God became man, freed you from death, and called you into His kingdom. Having received and continually receiving such blessings, shouldn’t you celebrate your entire life? Therefore, no one should grieve in poverty, illness, or adversity; for us every time is a time of celebration. That is why Paul says, 'rejoice always in the Lord'; rejoice, 'and I say again, rejoice' (Phil. 4:4)."

These words emphasize that joy is the awareness of the constant presence of God's grace manifested in all events of life. Such an understanding of joy implies that the believer should not succumb to despair even in the midst of difficulties, because every trial or moment of delight is viewed through the prism of salvific grace and the promise of eternal happiness.

In another interpretation, it is maintained that this call is an expression of profound spiritual joy, inviting not merely a superficial display of happiness, but an inner celebration of the great deeds of the Lord. As noted:

"The prophet does not speak of the Arabs or other neighboring peoples, but calls upon 'all the nations.' 'For the Most High is awesome, the King is great in all the earth.' At the very outset, he stirs the listener, inviting them to pay attention to this important good news, to universal praise, to a divine and spiritual festival, to a mystery delivered from heaven. Hence, he even says, 'clap your hands,' i.e. rejoice, be amazed. The same command is given in the Gospel teaching when it says, 'rejoice' (Luke 6:23), instructing, of course, not to jump and dance – as that would be indecent – but to express a particularly intense joy, because what has occurred is worthy of great rejoicing."

Thus, the repeated command to "rejoice" underlines that joy is an inherent characteristic of a redeemed life. It indicates that a Christian should continually remember the blessings that have been bestowed upon them, reflecting these in their approach to life – through gratitude, anticipation of future glory, and inner renewal of the spirit. Joy becomes not merely a response to favorable circumstances, but a sign of spiritual transformation, a call to remain steadfast even in times of trial.

Supporting citation(s):
"Truly, the present time is a time of celebration. He said, 'let us celebrate' ... That is why Paul says, 'rejoice always in the Lord'; rejoice, 'and I say again, rejoice' (Phil. 4:4)." (source: link txt)

"The prophet does not speak of the Arabs or other neighboring peoples, but calls upon 'all the nations'... Hence he says, 'clap your hands,' i.e. rejoice, be amazed. The same command is given in the Gospel teaching when it says, 'rejoice' (Luke 6:23)..." (source: link txt)