Where Joy Is Found

PHILIPPIANS 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Occasions of joy are sure to come, though they oscillate like the changing of seasons. For our joy to be a constant, it must be grounded in something firmer than our own fluctuating fortunes. If I find no joy in my present circumstances, I can still rejoice in God’s presence. As God’s presence is with us always, we always have reasons to rejoice (see Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). So what does it look like to rejoice in the Lord?

When we rejoice in the Lord, we rejoice in His sovereignty. The Most High rules with absolute authority over the kingdoms of the earth, governing all of history and every detail of our lives (see 1 Chron. 29:12, Ps. 139:13–16). Even when “The lot is cast into the lap, . . . its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). No matter the situation, we can rejoice that the Lord our God is in complete control.

We also rejoice in His wisdom. God is boundless in wisdom. We may not understand what He is doing in our lives or in the world, but we can rest in the assurance that He is wisely steering all things toward His glory and the good of His people (see Rom. 8:28). When we rejoice in the wisdom of God, we proclaim with the apostle Paul, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Rom. 11:33).

We can also rejoice in God’s perfect love at all times. We may not understand what we’re going through, but we can trust that God loves us at the bottom of it all. So “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:37–39). When we consider the sovereignty, wisdom, and love of God, we can “rejoice in the Lord always” because in the Father of lights “there is no variation or shadow due to change” ( James 1:17). Our unchanging God is invariably a stable source of steadfast joy. Believer, take heart this day, and rejoice in the Lord!

Reflect

Who do you know whose joy seems untouched by their circumstances? How does their example inspire you?

Let’s Pray

Lord, I admit that it is easier for me to rejoice when my circumstances are favorable than when they are challenging, but I want the kind of joy that is untouched by changing circumstances.
I want to rejoice in You always. Even when I’m praying for my circumstances to change, I rejoice that You are in complete control, that You are infinite in wisdom, and that You are perfect in Your love. I trust You; I look to You in prayer, and I rejoice in You. Please fill me with your Spirit and your joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.