Rejoice In All Things

Did you know that we can have joy in all circumstances? Many times those circumstances can feel overwhelming, but in spite of those, joy is possible but it isn’t something that just happens. It’s not always something that is easy either. How many of us wake up each morning, roll out of bed and feel joy unspeakable and full of glory? Some days this may be true, but most days this isn’t even close to reality, I know it’s not for me.

I’ve been in many storms in my lifetime so far and in those joy didn’t just happen. To be honest, often before joy came I was almost to my breaking point. In the middle of life’s storms we don’t feel very joyful. Storms are loud, chaotic, violent and can be very dangerous. Being joyful when we’re in the middle of a storm can only come supernaturally. Sometimes we may even start off with joy, but as the storm continues our joy begins to wan and begins to go out like a candle at the end of its wick. This has been the case of many during 2020 and into 2021 due to Covid and the lockdowns and restrictions.

You might not realise it, but we’re in a spiritual battle right now. I’ve said for years that what we see in the natural is a reflection of the spiritual. What we’re seeing across the world right now is a great spiritual battle. We see it as covid, moral collapse and civil unrest throughout many parts of the world, but it’s a reflection of a great spiritual battle. So how can you and I have joy even in this storm that has encompassed the entire world?

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in the New King James version

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

The Apostle Paul encourages us to begin by rejoicing. Not just a one off, but rejoicing always. When we wake up, rejoice, when we’re about our day, rejoice, when we’re showering, driving, doing laundry, working, rejoice! You get your point. The Apostle Paul also says to pray without ceasing. He isn’t saying to pray from sun up to sun down and while you sleep, he’s encouraging us to make talking to God a regular occurrence. Just as I talk with my wife and kids throughout the day, so should it be that I talk with God. Finally Paul encourages us to give thanks to God in all things. This helps us keep our attitude in check.

I also like how the scripture is translated in the New Living Translation

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Spend some time, not just reading through a scripture like this and going about your day, but taking some time thinking about it, saying it to yourself and asking God to help you apply it to your life. Then do it. Make a scripture like this a lifestyle. Not simply a religious act but one that is part of a real and meaningful relationship between God and yourself.

To experience God’s joy, peace and

1. Rejoice always

2. Never stop praying.

3. Express your thankfulness to God in ALL circumstances.

If we’ll follow the advice given by Paul, we can experience God’s peace and joy no matter what this world throws our way.