In the midst of the many responsibilities, distractions, and challenges of this life, do you sometimes find yourself becoming focused on the negative elements of daily life – things of this world that drag us down, drain our energy, consume our thoughts? We all have those moments, those times when our actions and conversations reflect the negative feelings that overwhelm us rather than the joy we know from having Christ as savior and lord.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Phil 4:4
And it is easy to be joyful when things are going well. However, when difficulties arise or hardships come, we often sink into depression, frustration, worry, self-pity, or anger. How can we find joy in those moments? Rejoicing in the Lord does not mean we can never be sad or hurt or grieving. It is a command that we must deliberately choose to obey, ESPECIALLY when we’re in difficult circumstances. The choice to rejoice often goes deliberately against how we are feeling. Joy in the Lord is not a superficial happiness based on circumstances or on the absence of trials, but rather a solid, abiding contentment and hope that is as steady and certain as our faithful God who has given us his promises through his word. The key to immeasurable joy is living in intimate contact with Christ, the source of all joy. This means having a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are daily intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and help us manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs.
True joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. Don’t allow the daily struggles of life to steal your joy. Trust in the Lord’s promises. Abide in him through devoted prayer and studying the scriptures. Hold tight to the source of your joy, that you may be a shining reflection of the hope that we as believers have in Christ.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13