Nights were the hardest when my heart and mind raced as angry memories of a painful past and anxious visions of a frightening future replayed on the lids covering my sleepless eyes. So many emotions surged within me, but joy wasn’t one of them. Like you, I knew the biblical command to rejoice always. Yet how could I speak joy when I felt so distraught? I struggled to be faithful but real. Can you relate?

How do we rejoice when life drains our joy? And why would we? Isn’t that the very definition of hypocrisy?

Background

Both the author of Philippians and his audience faced difficulties that appeared impossible to overcome. Paul wrote from prison, chained and awaiting a trial and possible execution for preaching the gospel. He longed for the freedom to minister to the churches he’d started and to share the good news of salvation with those who needed to hear it. Unfortunately, some, rather than encourage Paul and come to his aid, used his imprisonment to discredit him and gain honor for themselves. 

Paul had a close, loving relationship with the Philippians, and they yearned to provide him with financial and emotional support. Although some members were wealthy, overall, the church had limited resources. Besides their concern about Paul’s welfare, Philippian Christians suffered harassment from hostile unbelievers. 

Self-pity would have been understandable. Yet, Paul prayed joyfully and encouraged the Philippians (all pronouns used are plural) to rejoice.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

The word translated as “rejoice” expresses either something we feel (joy) or something we do, meaning we can rejoice even when we don’t feel joyous. Paul reminds us that since we choose our response to hardships, we can make a choice to rejoice. Rather than denying reality, rejoicing looks to a greater actuality—God’s redemptive power over our suffering. Being part of the body of Christ is a right plus a responsibility, and our choices impact group dynamics. Individual members and Christian fellowships grow stronger when believers share their burdens.

How to Rejoice?

As one who had learned to be content despite painful circumstances, Paul empathized with the Philippians’ distress but urged them to redirect their focus and draw strength from the Lord and one another. So how can we rejoice when times are tough?

• Reject anxiety. Emotions erupt from our self-talk (what we tell ourselves) about our situation. We can change our feelings by reforming our thoughts and behavior. Both anxiety and a non-anxious presence have the power to alter the atmosphere.

Do not be anxious about anything

Philippians 4:6

• Relay our requests to God with humility and thanksgiving. God’s Word includes prayers of lament that permit us to voice our pain. We have limited vision, but our listening and caring God possesses limitless wisdom. Thanksgiving refers to what we do, not what we feel, and it opens the door to peace.

In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

Philippians 4:6

• Rely on the incomprehensible shalom of God, which stands like a sentry to protect us when panic and fear threaten to overwhelm us.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

• Refocus our minds, fixing them on God’s truth, so we minimize worries rather than magnify them.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Why Rejoice?

James reminded Jewish Christians that their trials were tests that would either strengthen or weaken their walk with the Lord. But why would we rejoice when life runs roughshod over us?

• Scripture commands it. We know God equips and empowers believers to obey him through the power of his Spirit. But to experience his power, we must do as he directs rather than as our feelings dictate.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds 

James 1:2

• Spiritual growth results from it. “Perseverance” looks like the muscles a bodybuilder develops from weightlifting; to increase his strength, he must push his limits. Likewise, adversity provides an opportunity to strengthen our spiritual muscles. Only through our obedient participation in the process can God grow us in grace. It’s a joint venture—human choice plus God’s power. Instead of asking God to change our circumstances, we can ask him to use our circumstances to change us. 

The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

James 1:3-4

• Salvation guarantees it won’t always be like this. A brighter future awaits the faithful.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 

James 1:12

Since God loves us, he never wastes our trials and tribulations but uses them to transform us as we obey. When I exercised the discipline of rejoicing regardless of my feelings, God taught me more about myself and him through my troubles. He’ll do the same for you.