hen believers seek joy in the wrong places, they often end up feeling grief instead. Many people rejoice over worldly matters—love, passing exams, getting a job, having money, or enjoying favorable circumstances. Yet these things are fleeting; when they change or disappear, joy fades and is replaced by anxiety, sorrow, and sadness. This happens because true joy does not come from such temporary sources.

Rejoicing in Christ

Paul wrote, " Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). 

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. (Philippians 3:1)

The Apostle Paul was addressing believers who were not rejoicing because of people or worldly matters, but rather because of the Lord Jesus Christ. How can we truly rejoice in the Lord? We can understand it through an example.

When a young man is with his significant other, he feels joy wherever he goes. Whether he is in a forest or surrounded by many people, if he is with his partner, he will be happy. But when he is in a place where his love is not present, he cannot feel happiness at all. The reason is that this person—his significant other—is the source of his joy.In the same way, believers can rejoice wherever Christ’s presence is found in their lives.

Today many Christians struggle to rejoice because they do not love and value Christ. Instead, they seek joy in material blessings or in social gatherings at church, rather than in Christ himself.

Jesus is the Source of Joy

Because of that joy, Paul and Silas were able to praise God even while imprisoned in Philippi: "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." (Acts 16:25)

The Lord Himself prayed thus: "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them." (John 17:13). 

Believers should rejoice in the Lord for several reasons:

• He is the Life of Believers – “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
• Jesus Is the Prince of Peace – (Isaiah 9:6)
• He Offers a Peace Beyond All Gifts – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
• He Embodies Grace – “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” (John 1:16)
• God Is With Us – The prophet declares, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (meaning “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23)

Because Jesus can do everything—and because He does not change—relying on Him brings lasting joy. No matter what problems, circumstances, or situations we face, we can rejoice without fear, anxiety, or hesitation when we trust in the Lord.

 

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