Have you ever met someone who is like way too joyful? You know, the person who literally always has a smile on their face? The person who is always upbeat and never has a bad day? Sometimes those people are too much to handle. However, that person is most likely full of joy, not just happiness.
You see, there is a vast difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion based upon circumstances. If everything is going great in your life, you’ll be happy (most likely). Yet, once you hear bad news about your job, health, or family then that happiness departs. However, joy is not rooted in anything in this world, but in our eternal relationship with God. If you have joy and you hear bad news, you might be sad, but you’re still joyful because you know that God is working behind the scenes.
Rejoice evermore.—1 Thessalonians 5:16
You might be wondering how can I, “rejoice always.” How can I find joy in the midst of pain and suffering. Though there are many more, let me point out eight reasons believers can “rejoice always.”
1. We Rejoice because of the Sovereignty of Our Father
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.—Romans 8:28
When I say God is sovereign that simply means He is in absolute control. Nothing takes place in our lives that He has not allowed to happen. When circumstances go awry, we must remember that God has allowed those circumstances.
It is fine to be happy about your circumstances, but real rejoicing—true worship—comes from understanding that the Sovereign God of all creation created and designed you for His glory.
2. We Rejoice because of the Grace of the Son
And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.—1 John 2:2
No matter what happens in life, Christ has made us a new creation. He has stripped away the old cloak of sin and robed us in His righteousness! In this, we constantly rejoice!
Propitiation means “satisfying sacrifice.” Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s wrath for our sins. In gracious love, He took our place.
3. We Rejoice because of the Presence of the Spirit
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4
David understood the presence of the Spirit. No matter how bad things get, He will always be with us.
4. We Rejoice because of the Assurance of Heaven
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.—John 14:2
I rejoice in the fact that eternity will greet me with more than I can ever imagine on earth. Whatever happens to us in this life, heaven will be better.
5. We Rejoice because of the Comfort of the Scriptures
I rejoice at thy word as one that findeth great spoil.—Psalm 119:162
The Scripture gives us such joy! That is why we must be disciplined in the Word. As we study the Word, we are elevated in our thinking from this earthly, fleshly plain and learn to see the world for what it really is. We find joy in the precious promises of the Lord.
6. We Rejoice because of the Certainty of Answered Prayer
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.—Matthew 21:22
When we pray in God’s will, when we bend our will to His we know that He will answer us. What joy is greater than asking the God of Heaven to meet a personal need in our lives?
7. We Rejoice because of the Fellowship of the Saints
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God.—1 Thessalonians 3:9
One of the greatest joys of my life, the highlight of every week, is gathering with my church family at Tucson Baptist Church. I am thrilled to greet them, hear God’s blessing in their lives, and to sing praises alongside them.
The church is like a spiritual bank. The more you invest in the church, the more you receive in returns. Invest a little; receive a little. Invest must; receive much.
8. We Rejoice because of the Proclamation of the Gospel
What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached, and I therein do rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.—Philippians 1:18
The book of Acts brings a fresh perspective on not being ashamed of the Gospel. Though there is persecution and pressure, you cannot read this book without being infected with the pure joy of newfound faith in Christ.
