Can’t Rain on My Parade

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

— Philippians 4:4

It’s ironic, isn’t it? When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was in prison. You might expect someone in his circumstance to write something like, “This is so unfair, and I’m struggling to understand God’s purpose in this,” or maybe on a good day, “Hope in the Lord always. I will say it again: Hope!” After all, he hadn’t done anything wrong. He’d been faithful to carry out God’s call on his life. Yet Paul was imprisoned—and in that prison, he somehow had joy (Philippians 1:18). He wanted His friends in Christ to respond to hard circumstances the same way.

The truth is, joy doesn’t depend on a comfortable life; joy depends on the life of Christ in us. Hard times will come for sure. Christians are not guaranteed a carefree life. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Some translations of this verse include the phrase, “Cheer up!” We can be glad in every circumstance, knowing Jesus has overcome the world. This helps us understand where Paul was coming from when he said, “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Do you know joy is commanded throughout Scripture? You’ll find this in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus spoke about joy as a certainty in the Gospels and so did the writers of the New Testament letters—and all of them were facing adversity. That tells us joy is not an option in the lives of believers. It’s essential.

You might be thinking, “But wait. I can’t help what I feel!” And it’s true that feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion will come. Jesus felt those things, too. But who God is and what He promises are realities that no circumstance will ever change. No matter what you face, choose to center your thoughts on Him. God is great, and life is good because it gives you the opportunity to know Him. He is with you. He loves you. He answers when you call. Whatever comes today, or any day, He is in control.

• Listen to Matthew West’s “Life Is Good.” What lyrics stand out to you and encourage you? Which stand out to you as challenging?
• When is it hard for you to choose joy? How can you choose joy in the hard stuff?
• Spend a few minutes rejoicing in the Lord today. Thank Him for giving you a reason to rejoice no matter what circumstances life brings.