A Joyful Life
We often sing the hymn "Rejoice in the Lord" during our worship services. The chorus contains the lyrics:
Rejoice in the Lord and honor His Word!
Rejoice in the Lord and honor His Word!
His mercy and truth are everlasting!
Rejoice, O rejoice in the Lord!
We may not put much thought or effort into what we are singing. We may be easily distracted by all the world's cares and worries.
“Our typical approach to joy is situational," writes Hal Hammons in his book With One Heart, With One Voice. "That is to say; we are perfectly willing and eager to rejoice when life gives us an opportunity to do so - more money, better relationships, or even a spiritual success such as the baptism of a good friend or a learning experience in Bible study. The problem with the situational approach, though, is that it leaves us without joy while we wait for our situation to change." Hammons then notes Jesus' approach is different, pointing to the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) as an example.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:12, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." The person of faith can find joy; in fact, Jesus requires as much in verse 12 - not because his circumstances are better, but because his joy has nothing to do with circumstances. He is making choices in this life to store up "treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20), just like countless others have done in times past and continue to do today.
The idea of joy is found throughout the Bible. Nehemiah states in Nehemiah 8:10: "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The importance of rejoicing in the Lord is also found throughout the New Testament. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!" the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4. Paul also exhorted in I Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
We must make time to cultivate this attitude; it is a choice to be joyful. As Christians, we have been called out of bondage, darkness, and death through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We have every right to be joyful! How does one do this? The writer of Hebrews gives us the first step, in Hebrews 12:2: “looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” In looking to Jesus, we in turn find strength and the joy needed to endure this life.
The first thing we can do is seek Jesus. So often, replacing the King of Kings with other false kings is easy, yet we must remember where our true salvation, joy, and wholeness come from.
The second thing we can do is pray for joy and contentment in all circumstances. The Scriptures tell us we have the avenue of prayer through Jesus. Let us all use that gift, asking God to cultivate joy in us. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), one aspect of a life given to God.
Third, we can think about the blessings we have. The book of Philippians is a book focused on joy. Paul writes in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Surprisingly, remembering these things that Paul mentioned does create a more positive headspace.
Paul was an inspired apostle and writer of God, and what he wrote about was for the welfare of us in our lives as Christians in service to God. In addition, Paul had his fair share of suffering and tribulations, yet he chose to derive his joy and confidence in the power of Christ Jesus. In Acts 14:22b, the apostles remember Jesus' reminder in their teachings that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Through Jesus, we know that just like the first century Christians, we can rejoice, hope, and be strengthened through Christ Jesus.
After His resurrection, Jesus left His apostles and us with these words: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In this, we have the peace and joy we need and more reason to rejoice in the Lord.
