Tag Archives: Rejoice in the Lord

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Rejoice Anyway

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Joyce meyer

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! —Philippians 4:4

Many times, when people have problems or challenges, they focus so intensely on finding a solution or “surviving” the crisis that do not relax or enjoy life until the problems are solved. I want to encourage not to put off ‘joy’ any longer, because it will strengthen you and help you get through the crisis you are going through.. We can rejoice in spite of and the midst of our problems! God has given us an effective weapon called joy, and most of the time, if we will simply begin to use it, we will find ourselves overcoming the obstacles against us and being better able to handle our difficulties. God’s power is available to enable you to be joyful in the midst of a situation that is not joyful at all. You can rise above your circumstances and not be controlled by them.

The apostle Paul knew that joy gives us strength. He faced many, many hardships and difficulties during his life. He had plenty of reasons to be afraid, discouraged, and depressed! Paul could have decided to live his life in “survival mode,” but he chose to be joyful. We need to make the same choice Paul did—to rejoice always, even in difficult situations. This is one way we demonstrate our trust in God and prove our love for Him.

Jesus said in John 17:13: “. . . I say these things while I am still in the world, so that My joy may be made full and complete and perfect in them [that they may experience My delight fulfilled in them, that My enjoyment may be perfected in their own souls, that they may have My gladness within them, filling their hearts].”

What a scripture! Jesus wants His joy to be made full in us; He wants us to experience His delight. That’s what I’m praying for you today—that the joy of the Lord would fill your heart and be your strength. Don’t let circumstances or situations steal your joy, but love God (and do yourself a favor too) by being joyful.

Love God Today: Lord, I pray that no matter what difficulties or problems I face today, I will choose to rejoice anyway!

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Joy Versus Happiness

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John MacArthur

“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1).

Not long ago it was common to see bumper stickers proclaiming every conceivable source for happiness. One said, “Happiness is being married.” Another countered, “Happiness is being single.” One cynical sticker read, “Happiness is impossible!”

For most people happiness is possible but it’s also fickle, shallow, and fleeting. As the word itself implies, happiness is associated with happenings, happenstance, luck, and fortune. If circumstances are favorable, you’re happy. If not, you’re unhappy.

Christian joy, however, is directly related to God and is the firm confidence that all is well, regardless of your circumstances.

In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord” (emphasis added). The Lord is both the source and object of Christian joy. Knowing Him brings joy that transcends temporal circumstances. Obeying Him brings peace and assurance.

Joy is God’s gift to every believer. It is the fruit that His Spirit produces within you (Gal. 5:22) from the moment you receive the gospel (John 15:11). It increases as you study and obey God’s Word (1 John 1:4).

Even severe trials needn’t rob your joy. James 1:2 says you should be joyful when you encounter various trials because trials produce spiritual endurance and maturity. They also prove that your faith is genuine, and a proven faith is the source of great joy (1 Pet. 1:6-8).

You live in a world corrupted by sin. But your hope is in a living God, not a dying world. He is able to keep you from stumbling and make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy (Jude 24). That’s your assurance of future glory and eternal joy! Until that time, don’t neglect His Word, despise trials, or lose sight of your eternal reward. They are key ingredients of your present joy.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Thank the Lord for any difficult circumstances you might be facing. Ask Him for continued grace to see them through His perspective and not lose heart (Gal. 6:9).

Be aware of any sinful attitudes or actions on your part that might diminish your joy. Confess them immediately.

For Further Study:

Read Acts 16:11-40.

What difficulties did Paul and Silas face in founding the Philippian church?

How did God use their difficulties for His glory?