Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Sometimes it’s hard to rejoice, isn’t it? You have more bills than you have money. The report from the Doctor isn’t good. Your marriage is on the rocks. Your kids are in rebellion. The job stinks…and so does the boss. Does God really expect us to put on our “happy face” in the midst of all our troubles? The fact is, happiness has nothing to do with today’s verse. Paul is talking about joy, which is something altogether different.

Happiness is circumstantial. Joy is not.

Happiness comes and goes. Joy does not.

Happiness can be bought. Joy can’t.

True Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit and can only be possessed by a follower of Jesus Christ. Joy does not find its strength in what the world has to offer, but rather, in all that the Creator has already provided. Simply put, joy is a deep-seated confidence that God is in control, and that He is working all things together for our good and His glory. Therefore, all is well regardless of the circumstances.

So the next time you are having a “pity party” because of your difficult circumstances, remember Scripture’s call to rejoice! Yes, you may be in some very troubled waters, but it’s nothing the Lord can’t handle for your good and His glory. As bad as it may seem, it can’t touch your salvation! It can’t touch how much God loves you! It can’t touch your eternal destiny in Paradise!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”