How Can We Rejoice in a Time Like This?

Paul’s perspective on joy was not something he discovered while in custody. It was a deep conviction that found expression during hard times. Here’s how we know. Around A.D. 51, Paul wrote two words to the persecuted church at Thessalonica: “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). At least ten years later, he wrote his letter to the Philippians, which mentions joy fourteen times. For him, joy was a lifestyle.

Paul’s perspective on joy was a deep conviction that found expression during hard times. For him, joy was a lifestyle.

If we want to imitate Paul’s lifestyle of joy, it requires both an attitude and an action.

Attitude. We know from Galatians 5:22 that joy is a supernatural manifestation of Christ’s Spirit in us. But it is up to us to crucify the desires of our sinful nature and embrace the Spirit’s work in every situation (Galatians 5:24-25). We have to choose to turn our eyes heavenward, believing that God wants us to experience His joy in our life.

Action. Part of walking by faith is walking! Scripture calls us to act joyfully and testify to our conviction that God is good, God is in control, and God will bring good out of every situation for His glory (Romans 8:28). I’m not talking about a veneer that peels off when life wears us down. Even when we experience sorrow, we can be joyful because of God’s faithfulness.

Jesus’ Description of True Happiness in the Beatitudes

C. S. Lewis enjoyed telling the story of the child who described his impression of God. As far as the child could make out, God was always snooping around to see if anyone was enjoying himself so that He could put a stop to it! Have you ever known anyone like that? Some Christians believe that they can’t be holy if they’re not sad. But they are dead wrong. In John 10:10, Jesus said that He came “that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” God’s purpose is to create an abundant life of blessing, not a joyless existence.

Some Christians believe that they can’t be holy if they’re not sad. But they are dead wrong. God’s purpose is to create an abundant life of blessing, not a joyless existence.

When we read about His relationships with other people, we find that Jesus enjoyed life. The people who try to paint a picture of Him as sad or morbid have missed the complete picture. He delighted in life, and He wanted us to be truly happy. He gave us the Beatitudes so that we would know how to live a happy life too.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:3-12).

A quick scan of the passage reveals thoughts that run contrary to popular ideas about happiness. There isn’t a single reference to health, work, income, financial security, homes, love, or friends. While these things often accompany happiness, they do not ever produce it. Christ’s list contradicts the world’s standards.

Through Turning Point, I have deepened my faith. Your balance of biblical teaching, including prophecy and evangelism, has kept my focus on the Lord and the things to come. Yes, I get weighed down by the vast amount of trouble in this world. But your sermons, books, and devotionals remind me that as a Christian, I have the power, comfort, and joy of the Lord! –Susan

God’s Plan for Us Has Always Included Happiness

There is a popular misconception that the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament. With its detailed descriptions of ritual cleansing, sacrifice, and a succession of bloody battles, it is not hard to understand why many view the Old Testament with skepticism. But a careful examination of the ancient Hebrew Scriptures reveals much more than God’s wrath.

In the very beginning, we find evidence of the loving relationship that God always intended to share with the human race. He spent six days appointing the earth with everything humanity would need to thrive. Then He planted a garden where Adam and Eve could live and work and walk with Him (Genesis 2:8, 15; 3:8). The earth, its occupants, and its Creator enjoyed perfect harmony.

When sin broke the fellowship between God and humanity, God provided a plan of redemption through His Son and a framework by which we, His people, could continue to enter His presence and share in His joy. Intimate walks in the garden were no longer possible. Still, God invited His people to celebrate with Him, behold His holiness, and anticipate the complete restoration of our relationship.

God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). From the beginning, God’s plan for us has always included happiness.

In Psalm 16, David drew a connection between God’s presence and joy: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (verse 11). God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). From the beginning, God’s plan for us has always included happiness.

The Joy of the Lord Sustains Us

Most of us feel happy when things are going well, but unexpected hardships can sink our spirits. This temporary happiness cannot compare to the joy of a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of the Lord transcends the rolling waves of circumstance and buoys our spirit through hard times. When we intertwine our life with Him, He helps us walk through adversity and manage prosperity. The joy of living each day with Jesus Christ will keep us calm, no matter how high or low our circumstances.

The joy of living each day with Jesus Christ will keep us calm, no matter how high or low our circumstances.

The Bible never claims that life is easy. Christianity is no free pass; there are no shortcuts to bypass the essential human experience. But somehow, people get that mistaken idea. When they eventually face problems—as they always do—they conclude that the presence of trouble implies the absence of God. I cannot imagine a greater mistake.

God wants us to be happy, and He sent His Son to show us the way. Jesus said, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:9-11).

We are pilgrims in a foreign land. Our journey winds through veils of tears and acres of muck and mire, but the long and winding road finally comes to the City of God, the place of joy and feasting. That’s the biblical view of life in the world—even the World of the End—our reason to rejoice always.