“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV)
Do you live life joyfully? Is that even possible in our fast-paced, stressed-out, far-from-perfect world? Will joy survive when life gets tough? While many would answer yes, others might shake their heads no. They feel life has too many ups and downs for us to be joyful all the time.
God desires for His children to live with joy, a joy that flows from our relationship with Him. This joy is one of the nine attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. His joy becomes part of our spiritual DNA.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV)
LEARNING TO REJOICE
Joy does not depend upon favorable circumstances or an abundance of possessions. We can see that throughout the Book of Acts. Although the apostles endured many difficult situations because of their belief in Jesus, their joy remained. Acts 5:41 tells us they went on their way “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” The apostle Paul, who personally endured many hardships, instructed us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV). He found joy even in the midst of trouble.
Our greatest joy may come during times of trials and hardship. Luke 6:22-23 tells us to leap for joy when we are hated, shunned, reproached, and spoken evil of, for our “reward is great in heaven.”
At one time or another, each of us may have felt that our “joy tank” was almost empty. We had allowed fears, anxieties, or disappointments to take up residence in our thought life. Or perhaps we battled negativity, discontent, or self-doubt. At such times it’s easy to feel that we aren’t measuring up. We are imperfect, limited. These doubts and fears crowd out the joy of the Lord.
Someone described it this way. Our main obstacle to joy isn’t our hardships; it’s our mindset.
Even when we feel joyless, God is still there—our strength and our defender—ready to fill us with His joy.
“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.” (Psalm 5:11, NKJV)
THE PATH TO LIVING JOYFULLY
Are there things we can do to increase the joy in our lives? Here are a few suggestions.
Ways that help us live with joy:
- Strengthen your relationship with the Lord and determine to abide in Him.
- Connect with others in the body of Christ.
- Cultivate gratitude for things both small and great.
- Learn to forgive offences and do not hold grudges.
- Look for joy every day and note those moments.
Romans 12:12 offers us a short, easy-to-follow prescription that will help us feel joy in our daily lives. The verse says we are to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (ESV).
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the joy I find in You. Even when facing times of testing and trouble, I am never alone. You walk beside me and give me hope, peace, and joy for the journey. I rejoice in knowing You love me and fill me with joy.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
