This world needs joy, which means we must rejoice.
Look at the world and think of all the things you can rejoice in the Lord for: favorite toys, doughnuts, dogs, family and friends. God rejoices too, and He would love to celebrate with you.
You can rejoice in small things, but the Bible gives us some pretty big things to rejoice about too.
Romans 5:8 says, “God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” Jesus died to save us from our sins. That is definitely a reason to rejoice.
In John 1:51, Jesus tells us, “I assure you: You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” We will see heaven, so we can rejoice in that. We also get to be in heaven, and no one can take that prize away from us.
In John 10:28, Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.” These are just a few great reasons to rejoice in the Lord. Since these promises never fade, you can always rejoice.
Shield Your Mind
Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). He doesn’t tell us just to rejoice in our own personal gain. He tells us to rejoice in the Lord.
The devil will try to corrupt this, telling you to only rejoice when something great happens to you. Never rejoice in the bad; that’s not smart, he whispers. Never rejoice in other people’s triumphs; you don’t benefit from them.
This is when you have to say a prayer, asking God to help shield your mind from the devil. See each blessing, whether yours or others’, as a gift from God, and rejoice in that.
Joy in Bad Times
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas have just been beaten and locked in a cold, damp prison cell. But we don’t find them crying or feeling sorry for themselves. They rejoice! “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).
People will notice your joy, and it may give you an opportunity to share the gospel. You will always have something to praise God about and a reason to be joyful. You will always have Christ at your side, so don’t get depressed or discouraged.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
