Every man and woman desires joy in their lives; no one wants a life of sorrow. But as believers, there are principles we can engage in that compel the realm of the spirit to release joy over us, even in a climate of pain and despair. No wonder Scripture says, ‘When men say there is a casting down, I will say, “I am lifted.”‘ You shall be lifted up in life in Jesus Name.
Today, let us briefly consider some scriptural factors that we can engage in to cause rejoicing in our lives.
- Focusing on His lovingkindness
Psalms 48:9; We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, In the midst of Your temple. NKJV
NIV would say; “O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.”
So when you reflect on God’s loving kindness over your life, the spirit of heaviness will depart from your life and God will pour the oil of Joy into your life
When you meditate on God’s mercy over your life and family, joy and rejoicing is released because you are attracting God’s presence into your life. And where the presence of God is there is fullness of joy
- Holiness is important
Proverbs 10:28a: “The hopes of the godly result in happiness,” (NLT)
The godly or righteous are those in right alignment with God, His will and purposes. Therefore, the hope of those who are in right standing with God will result in happiness or gladness. There is a strong link between those that obey God, and God commanding rejoicing in their lives. To be frank, it those that live holy lives that truly know how to rejoice in God. If you therefore want rejoicing in your life, pursue holiness before God.
- To rejoice also depend on your mindset
Habakkuk 3:17-18; “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” NKJV
As a believer you must develop and aspire to have a rejoicing mindset; a mindset that rejoices in God. And the Holy Spirit will help you, if you seek His help.
Therefore in the midst of trials, you can choose to rejoice in the Lord. You don’t rejoice about the problems but you decide to rejoice in the Lord, even in the midst of adversity. This is a rejoicing mindset.
Prophet Habakkuk declared major challenges that could confront him but Notice the statement of Prophet Habakkuk, “I will rejoice in the Lord”
His mindset was that he will not focus on the problems confronting him but he will choose to rejoice in the Lord regardless of whatever the enemy and life throws at him.
When you have such a determined mindset, even the devil will say there is no point troubling this one, because the more we throw arrows of life at him, he rejoices in God rather that wallow in the problem. His agents will leave you alone because they cannot stand an atmosphere where God is truly being praised and worshipped.
Additionally when God see’s that your mindset is to rejoice in Him, magnify Him and not the problems, God will compel all the forces in heaven, and on earth to ensure that rejoicing in life comes your way because you have the mindset to always honour Him
- Faith in God’s Promises
Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
“all joy and peace” is linked to believing
Joy and rejoicing come from believing God’s Word and trusting God’s faithfulness. That God is able to do what He said He will do
Key point: Rejoicing is linked to faith—believing in God’s ability to fulfil His promises brings joy.
- Obedience to God’s Word
Proverbs 29:18b; “But whoever obeys the laws is joyful” NLT
There is a link between obeying God’s word and experiencing the joy of God. When we a live a life of obedience to God’s word, God commands rejoicing to locate us.
Psalm 19:8: “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
Obeying God’s commandments and walking in His ways lead to blessings and joy.
That phrase; “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” shows us that rejoicing in this Kingdom that we serve is linked to aligning ourselves to His statues. Rejoicing in His Kingdom is linked to right positioning with God, His Word and Will.
Key Point: Rejoicing comes when we align our lives with God’s Word, which brings clarity and fulfilment.
- A Heart of Gratitude and Praise
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Thankfulness and praise invite God’s presence and usher in rejoicing.
That when we develop and practice a lifestyle of continual praise and thanksgiving to God. It bring in the presence of God. And when God’s presence comes into a man’s life or situation, God will command rejoicing to never cease in that man’s life
Key-Point: Rejoicing is cultivated through gratitude to God, regardless of circumstances.
(Psalm 100:4; “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”)
- Seeking God’s Presence
Psalm 16:11; “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Rejoicing is a byproduct of dwelling in God’s presence.
Key Point: Spending time in God’s presence through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word brings joy.
- Confessing Sins and Turning Back to God leads to Rejoicing
Confessing sins and turning back to God brings joy in forgiveness and reconciliation.
Psalm 51:12; “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
Key-Point: Joy comes from experiencing God’s mercy and the restoration of our relationship with Him.
(Luke 15:7; “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”)
- Surrendering Worries to God
Joy comes when we cast our cares on God and trust Him to handle our burdens.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Key Point: Rejoicing happens when we trust God with our worries, allowing His peace to replace anxiety.
- Endurance Through Trials
Trials refine faith and lead to rejoicing in God’s deliverance and purpose.
James 1:2-4: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Key-Point: Persevering through trials with faith brings maturity and joy in the outcome.
- Sharing God’s Love and Goodness
Rejoicing often comes through serving others and sharing the Gospel.
Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Key-Point: Selfless giving and sharing God’s love with others bring joy to both the giver and the receiver.
(Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!”)
- Humility and Dependence on God
Acknowledging our need for God and humbling ourselves before Him invites joy through His grace.
1 Peter 5:6-7; “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Isaiah 29:19; “The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.”
According to Isaiah 29:19; there is link between walking in humility before God and receiving increasing joy from God. The humble person before God enjoys divine lifting and more joy.
Key-Point: God exalts the humble and also fills them with joy.
Rejoicing stems from the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus, which surpasses all earthly challenges.
Romans 12:12; “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
Titus 3:7; “That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Key-Point: Our hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus brings us abundant joy that overshadows any trials or difficulties we face in this life. By focusing on our hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus daily, we are empowered to rejoice in God despite the vicissitudes of life. This eternal hope also stirs our faith to keep trusting in Him even when it naturally seems hopeless to give us the victory as the Holy Spirit navigates us through life.
Concluding Remark: These thirteen conditions or factors collectively highlight that rejoicing in God is a spiritual posture rooted in faith, gratitude, obedience, endurance, and reliance on His promises and presence. God bless you richly in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: By the power of God, I will rejoice in the Lord, rejoicing will never cease in my life and family, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
