A Life of Joy by Elle CardelSample

Paul—Rejoicing in the Lord, Even in Trials

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” —Philippians 4:4

Have you ever met someone who radiated Joy despite walking through incredible hardship? Maybe they faced sickness, unexpected news, or loss. Yet their faith remained unshaken. This is because they knew their Joy wasn’t tied to their circumstances—it was rooted in something greater.

This is the kind of Joy Paul speaks to in Philippians 4:4.

At first glance, this verse might sound simple—until you realize Paul wrote these words from behind prison bars. He was not celebrating good news, sitting in comfort, or enjoying success. He was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. Yet, instead of complaining or wallowing in what could have easily felt like defeat, he chose Joy.

How is that possible? Because Paul’s Joy wasn’t based on his situation—it was anchored in his hope in Christ.

Paul’s life and ministry teach us many things. Here are three powerful Truths for us to sit with today.

Joy is a choice.

Paul didn’t say, “Rejoice when life is good.” He said, “Rejoice always.” True Joy isn’t about what’s happening around us—it’s about Who lives within us. In Christ, Joy is always accessible.

Trials can’t steal our Joy when Christ is our Source.

The world teaches that Joy comes from success, comfort, or getting what we want. But Biblical Joy comes from knowing and trusting Jesus, even when life is uncertain.

Paul understood that suffering could not separate him from God’s Love (see Romans 8:38-39). When we cling to this Truth, we can endure any storm.

Joy and Peace go hand in hand.

Right after commanding believers to rejoice, Paul wrote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

Joy is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about trusting that God is still Good, all the time, no matter what.

Paul did not ignore his suffering, but he refused to let it define him. Instead, he fixed his eyes on Jesus. We can do the same.

Ponder This:

• What is currently challenging my joy?
• How do I typically respond to trials—do I let them steal my Joy, or do I turn to God?
• What would it look like for me to rejoice in the Lord, even when life feels hard?
• What specific Promise from God can I cling to in this season?

Pray: Father, thank You that my Joy is not dependent on my circumstances but on who You are! Teach me to rejoice in You always, even when life feels heavy. When trials come, help me to fix my eyes on You and trust in Your Goodness. Fill my heart with Peace that surpasses understanding, and let my Joy be a testimony of Your Faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.