Can We Really Rejoice All The Time

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.   John 16:33

Absolutely and for sure, we CAN rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS (Phil. 4:4) because rejoicing is an action, not a reaction to our situations and circumstances. Joy is a gift from God that was given to us at the new birth. It was placed within our born again spirit and it doesn’t fluctuate or diminish, it is CONSTANT. The Lord has put the joy inside us and we are to express it by choosing to obey this command in Phil. 4:4.

Now, it’s all together different for the world. They experience joy in direct proportion to their current situation and circumstances. Bad circumstances bring about depression and sorrow, while good circumstances bring about joy and peace. Well, actually, this is living a life in bondage but that does not have to be the case of the believer.

Our joy is not dependent on things, but rather on the person of Jesus Christ. He IS our joy and peace. How does the believer take advantage of this joy and peace in the midst of tribulation? By keeping our hearts and minds stayed on things above and not on things of this earth (Col. 3:1-2). The invisible things of God are eternal while the visible problems on earth are only temporary.

All the problems of this life grow very dim when we compare them to the glory of God that is ours through Jesus. I’m reminded of a song we use to sing when I pastored in Pulaski. A portion of the song said, “When all things that surround me become shadows in the light of YOU.” That again is how we can rejoice right in the middle of tribulation.

Notice again in Phil. 4:4 that we’re actually commanded, not just encouraged, but commanded to REJOICE “IN THE LORD.” So many Christians are not experiencing true joy because their joy is in their circumstances. Or their joy is totally dependent on their circumstances. That means that they’re waiting to rejoice only when things in their lives are going good, and that doesn’t happen very often.

But friends, we are suppose to REJOICE in the Lord ALWAYS. Say that word ALWAYS several times. Now confess, “I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS.” That means that we are supposed to rejoice in who the Lord is and what He has done for us at ALL TIMES. He never changes (Hebrews 13:8) and His mercies and compassions are brand new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Wow, what an awesome truth to behold and apply to our lives. Let’s be sure we’re REJOICING ALWAYS.