Rejoicing in the Lord

Posted on July 16, 2025, 7:10 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Rejoice in the Lord always, says the word of God. To rejoice in the Lord is to consciously demonstrate faith in God as set on one’s heart. It means to rejoice in hope, patience in tribulation and to continuing steadfastly in prayers. (Rom.12:12) One can consistently rejoice in the Lord when one looks forward in hope to God’s promises, persevere during difficult situation and continually seek the guidance of God in prayers. Apostle Paul who experienced severe suffering but was full of hope in Jesus Christ, wrote in his letter to the brethren in Philippi “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice.” (Phil.4:4) It was to encourage the brethren to always rejoice irrespective of the difficulties that may come their way. Rejoicing is demonstrating the fruit of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. (Gal.5:22) The Joy of the Lord is dependent on internal relationship with God that is linked with inner peace. It is the act of experiencing and displaying Joy. It is different from being happy. Happiness is not the fruit of the Spirit, and it is not dependent on relationship with God. It is defined as a longer-term state of wellbeing that arise from external factors like positive events or experiences. Happiness disappears in the moment of challenging situation while the joy of the Lord remains constant and even becomes source of strength in challenging situation. Apostle Paul was in prison when He wrote the letter to the brethren in Philippi. He was imprisoned for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. (Eph.3:1) Despite his suffering, he encouraged the early believers to be joyful because he counted his suffering as gain for the Gospel. He did not fear death because his desire was to be in heaven with Jesus Christ, and while alive, he saw himself duty bound to continue to help the brethren to grow and mature in the faith which is necessary for them. (Phil.1:21-24) He concluded therefore, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil.1:21) This is what the joy of the Lord does. It empowers and does not make one to fret, because it is linked with the peace of the Lord. The joy of the Lord serves as a powerful source of spiritual strength that enables one to make God’s priority one’s priority, orders one’s life according to God’s will, and acknowledges God’s hand in one’s success. It does not bring sorrow but rather strengthens one to overcome sorrow. The scripture says, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh.8:10) The joy of the Lord also makes one to be content in all circumstances. Believing that God’s grace is sufficient regardless of how critical one’s circumstances may be, and having the understanding that godliness is the most important. The scripture says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim.6:6) Dear brethren, I urge you to consciously practice reacting to various circumstances with joy and prayer instead of anxious and worry. The word of God is encouraging you and I saying, “Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances, that is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess.5:16-18) May we be filled with all joy and peace as our faith increases by the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus mighty name. Amen Evangelism Share the word of truth with the unbelievers around you. Show them the way and let them know Jesus loves them. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre