“Rejoice always… In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18 (NKJV).
As humans, we tend to celebrate when things go well and complain when they don’t. Good news often lifts us, while bad news can crush us. Believers are, however, called to have a different disposition towards life; one of rejoicing, regardless of what’s happening around us.
Our anchor text is a powerful reminder to cultivate a life of joy in all seasons of life. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that staying joyful is God’s will for believers. This implies that every moment of frustration can actually be an opportunity to choose joy over complaint and align ourselves with God’s will. In Philippians 4:4, there is a double emphasis on rejoicing always. Your rejoicing should not be tied to things or events. You should rejoice because the Bible tells you to do so.
Another reason to rejoice is that in Christ, you have been made victorious (2 Corinthians 2:14). You began your life as a believer from the standpoint of victory. No matter what opposition you face, you have been made more than a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37). Jesus is seated far above principalities and powers (Ephesians 1:20-21). And here’s the remarkable part: You are also seated together with Him (Ephesians 2:6).
At redemption, you received a new life, and you also received the authority and victory ascribed to the name of Jesus. Each time you rejoice, you remind yourself that you are victorious in Christ and the devil is under your feet.
Finally, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Your joy flows from God’s Spirit living in you, which is why you don’t need favourable circumstances to experience joy. Setbacks don’t have to trigger murmuring or complaining. Acts 16:25 shows this beautifully: Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns in prison. They weren’t using praise as a tool to manipulate God into freeing them. Praise was a habit that being incarcerated could not take away from them. You can stir up that same joy from within, even in chaos.
Dear believer, your joy is your weapon. You can go through life rejoicing because it’s God’s command, a reminder of your victory in Christ, and proof that His Spirit lives in you.
Bible Reading Plan: Obadiah; John 17:20–18:11