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Be Joyful Always
Read: Philippians 1:12-26
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thes. 5:16-18
God calls us to be joyful always, regardless of our circumstances. In Philippians, Paul encourages the believers to grow in their joy in the faith and in their joy in Christ Jesus. But how are we to be joyful all the time? And how does one grow in their joy? If we are to be joyful always, it must be separate from our fluctuating emotions and there must be a source that sustains it in our lives. So what is joy? Where does it come from? And how does it differ from happiness?
Many people say all they want is to be happy. They think when they just accomplish the next thing- graduate, get married, have a baby, get promoted, make more money, have more things…then they’ll be happy. But when they achieve it, they begin to want the next thing and the cycle continues. Looking for lasting fulfillment through earthly means will never leave you satisfied.
Happiness is momentary- a temporary emotion that comes and goes with life’s circumstances. However, we are not called to be constantly happy. Even Jesus wasn’t happy all the time. We’re called to have constant joy. Joy is constant and runs deeper and stronger than happiness. It’s the assurance of God’s love and presence in our lives. It’s knowing that at the end of the day God is the one in control and can bring around all things for the good of those who love Him. The source of happiness is external, whereas the source of joy is internal. With happiness the focus is on yourself and your own desires, whereas joy comes from passing God’s blessings onto others. Joy is something in a believer’s life that cannot be disrupted by any earthly circumstance.
Joy is an attribute of God. Since we were created in His likeness, we were created to be joyful. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and as we grow in spiritual maturity and deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father, our joy will also increase. May God bless you as you pursue a deeper walk with Him daily and “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. (Rom 15:13)
Reflect: Read Philippians 1:12-26 again and reflect on the following questions:
1. Are you pursuing happiness? Are you looking to achievements or things to make you happy? How might God be calling you to change your perspective?
2. Are you joyful in all circumstances? What does this mean to you?
3. What steps do you need to take to deepen your relationship with Christ and pursue a joy that’s everlasting?
Remember: Weekly memory verse
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Phil 1:21, NIV)
Going further: This week remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh 8:10). He will help, protect, and guide you. Thank Him for his never-ending provision over your life and for blessing you with a joy that’s everlasting.
“I have told you this so that you may be filled with my joy, yes, your joy will overflow.” John 15:11
“A life of intimacy with God is characterized by joy.” Oswald Chambers
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