4 Powerful Reasons for Joy

Do you wonder what reasons for joy you may have that are not based on your circumstances?

Based on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, I want to share with you 4 powerful reasons for joy that are not tied to our circumstances and situations.

Joy Is a Choice

If we want to have joy despite our circumstances and difficulties, we need to choose joy deliberately. This means we choose our attitude to life and to the specific things we struggle with.

When my husband passed away unexpectedly, I found myself in a dark season of grief, pain, and deep sorrow. With the time passing by, I wondered if it was possible to experience joy again. I asked myself if it was possible to have joy that was not based on my painful situation. What reasons could I have for joy while dealing with this heavy loss? And how could I deliberately choose joy each day?

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians gives us several powerful reasons for joy not dependent on our circumstances. It seems paradoxical that Paul has written this encouraging letter to the Philippians to rejoice always while being in the prison. But it is also the best example that we can rejoice in every circumstance. 

Here are 4 powerful reasons for joy.

If we want to have joy despite our circumstances and difficulties, we need to choose joy deliberately. #joy #encouragement #trustGod Share on X

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#1 Christ Is Preached

The first reason Paul states as a reason to rejoice is that Christ is preached.

“The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (1 Philippians 1:18)

What does this mean for us? This means that every day, as believers, we have a mighty reason to rejoice because the Gospel is advancing and more people come to know Christ.

Also, when we devote ourselves to contribute to the advancing of the Gospel by living godly lives and sharing the good news and our testimonies, we can rejoice with deep joy.

When we contribute to the advancing of the Gospel by living godly lives and sharing the good news and our testimonies, we can rejoice with deep joy. #joy #Gospel #encouragement Share on X

#2 Rejoicing with Others Who Rejoice

We know the Bible tells us to mourn with those who mourn, but this principle of empathy goes in the other direction, too. We are also to rejoice with those who rejoice. (Romans 12:15)

Here is how Paul says this to the Philippians: “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:17-18)

Sharing in the joy of others and being with them is a powerful reason to have joy, too. This is actually a part of loving others well when we identify not only with their struggles and pain but also with their joys.

#3 Other Believers as Our Joy

Moreover, when these are believers who hold firmly to the word of life and continue to work out their salvation, this adds a deep dimension of gladness and joy in our lives, too.

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” (Philippians 4:1)

Cheering on other believers, encouraging them, and praying for them, contributes immensely to our own joy and satisfaction.

When we see other believers who stand firm, when we hear their testimonies, then their deliverance, perseverance, and success become part of our own and a tremendous reason to rejoice.

#4 Rejoicing in the Lord Always

Perhaps the most powerful reason for joy is the possibility of rejoicing in the Lord always. This is also Paul’s exhortation: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

In the passage following this verse, Paul gives us helpful information about why we can always rejoice in the Lord. We can do this because the Lord is near. The Lord is always with us, and we can count on His constant presence and never-changing love.

We can rejoice too if we take the step not to be anxious about anything but to present instead our requests to God with thanksgiving in ongoing prayer and receive God’s peace in return. Experiencing freedom from worries and fears is a significant reason to have joy.

We can always rejoice in the Lord because we can count on His constant presence and never-changing love. #joy #encouragement #compeltraining Share on X

More Resources to Help You Cultivate Joy

If you need more resources to help you cultivate endurance in your trials, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu

Kissing Guilt Goodbye by EnLiven Devotionals

Transforming Your Thought Life  by Sarah Geringer

All Things New by John Eldredge

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Letters to the Church by Francis Chan

Forward: Discovering God’s Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow by David Jeremiah

Dream Big by Bob Goff

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Your Turn

Which of these reasons spoke most to you? How can you apply these truths and choose joy today? Share in the comments and on social media. Thanks!

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