Rejoicing, lifestyle of a true Christian

Posted on Feb. 11, 2026, 10:41 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Rejoicing in the Lord is the expression of appreciation for what the Lord has done, what He is doing, and what He will continue to do daily in one’s life. The scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice.” (Phil.4:4) This explains the fact that the outlook of a Christian lifestyle is one of rejoicing in the Lord from the start of the day because the Lord made the day. (Psalm.118:24) God expects believers to rejoice always. The Bible says, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess.5:16) To rejoice in the Lord is not about being happy over specific incident, but about realising the goodness of God over what He has done and trusting Him in the reality that everything is under His control. Christian rejoices in the Lord always because of the transformative power he has received through Christ’s work of salvation. The Psalmist says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.” (Isaiah.61:10a) Rejoicing is the nature and lifestyle of a true believer of Christ through his Salvation, his hope in Christ, his praying and giving thanks to God and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is the major means that makes one to rejoice always. Aside from the fact that it guarantees one’s oneness with God and qualifies one as a child of God, it reveals the fact that one’s name is already written in the book of life in heaven. Jesus told His seventy disciples on their return from practical assignment, not to rejoice over what they were able to accomplish while they were on the assignment, but to rejoice for their names are written in heaven. (Luke.10:19-20) The fact that one’s name is written in heaven through salvation is sufficient reason to rejoice in the Lord always. Hope in Christ is another reason believers live a life of rejoicing in the Lord always. Hope that God will fulfil His promise. The Bible says, “rejoicing in hope, patience in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayers.” (Rom.12:12) Rejoicing in hope enables believer to be patient even in tribulation and be steadfast in prayer until God’s promise is fulfilled. Patient in tribulation is the ability to endure trials because of the believe that all things work together for good of those who love God. (Rom.8:28) Steadfast in prayer with God enable him to view things in the way of the Lord, thereby prevent him from being trapped in mental struggle but maintain his sanity due to the joy of the Lord. Praying and giving thanks to God in recognition of what God can do makes believer to rejoice always. When one prays with thanksgiving, the glory of God is activated so much that, the joy of the Lord overcome doubt, fear and sorrow. Paul and Silas were in prison praying and singing hymns to God when God intervened. (Acts.16:25-26) Praying and thanksgiving becomes a spiritual force that comes through the Spirit of the Lord which gives strength to persevere and rejoice, no matter the circumstances. Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of good news, spreading the gospel as commanded by our Lord Jesus makes one to rejoice in the Lord always. Preaching the gospel helps one not to get offended that the gospel may not be blamed so much that one is willing to undergo sorrow in order that others can enjoy the grace of God. (2 Cor.6:10) Preaching the gospel also enriches the joy of the preacher when he hears that his converts are functioning according to the gospel. Apostle John while expressing his great joy of hearing good conduct about one of his converts says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John.4) Brethren, to rejoice in the Lord always requires that we delight ourselves always in God who gives joy. When we delight ourselves in Him, His presence ignites His joy in us through our response to the Holy Spirit who works in and through us, that we are able to rejoice in Him always. Rejoicing is the will of God for you and me. Evangelism God wants you to rejoice in Him always. The will is in Jesus Christ. Give your life to Him and begin to experience the joy of the Lord. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre