Choosing Joy In The Midst of Worry
“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:4-7
Everyone has something they’re worried about. We’re all wrestling with anxious thoughts and feelings, like a low-grade fever in our hearts and minds that we can’t seem to shake. We’re worried about our kids, our jobs, our health, our finances, and many other things. But as followers of Jesus, it is so important that we do not approach worry the same way the world does.
As believers, we should be living differently than everyone else. The way we interact with people, the way we handle the circumstances we’re walking through, and the way we navigate tough seasons should set us apart. Therefore, we have an opportunity to point others to Jesus as they watch us go through difficult times.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul is saying to rejoice in the Lord always - not sometimes, not most of the time, not when it’s easy or convenient, but all of the time. And not only does he encourage them to rejoice, he models this heart posture for them. As Paul was writing these words, he was sitting in prison. He had every reason to complain and doubt and pitch a fit. But instead, he chose to rejoice in the Lord.
Regardless of what you’re walking through, joy is always a choice. We have God-given joy available to us at all times according to Philippians 4:7. So let’s decide to choose joy, even when it’s hard, so that we can find peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father as we walk through the troubles this world throws at us.
Everyone has something they’re worried about. We’re all wrestling with anxious thoughts and feelings, like a low-grade fever in our hearts and minds that we can’t seem to shake. We’re worried about our kids, our jobs, our health, our finances, and many other things. But as followers of Jesus, it is so important that we do not approach worry the same way the world does.
As believers, we should be living differently than everyone else. The way we interact with people, the way we handle the circumstances we’re walking through, and the way we navigate tough seasons should set us apart. Therefore, we have an opportunity to point others to Jesus as they watch us go through difficult times.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul is saying to rejoice in the Lord always - not sometimes, not most of the time, not when it’s easy or convenient, but all of the time. And not only does he encourage them to rejoice, he models this heart posture for them. As Paul was writing these words, he was sitting in prison. He had every reason to complain and doubt and pitch a fit. But instead, he chose to rejoice in the Lord.
Regardless of what you’re walking through, joy is always a choice. We have God-given joy available to us at all times according to Philippians 4:7. So let’s decide to choose joy, even when it’s hard, so that we can find peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father as we walk through the troubles this world throws at us.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Building Men Over MembershipsAre You Encouraging Others?Committing Others To ChristSharing Your StoryFaith Beyond Your FamilyGod’s Purpose In Your PainAligned PrayersPraying with PowerA Defining EncounterA Desire To ServeA Faithful and Helpful FriendRestoring Broken RelationshipsThe Power To RestoreA Guilt-Free LifeA Hand Of BlessingA Heart Of RepentanceAllowing God To Do The ChangingAre You Feeling Stuck?Trust His HeartBe Ready For InterruptionsFull of the Holy SpiritDefeating DepressionPowerful Prayers and a BurdenThe Triumphal EntrySurrender Your Life to ChristGratitude Is The Gateway To ContentmentGratitude Is A Defense Against AnxietyDealing With DoubtFocus On The WordGiving and ServingListening Instead Of Talking
February
3 Keys To A Heavenly PerspectiveA Faith Rooted in FactA Faith That Draws or DrivesWhy Support Israel?The Danger Of Being Full Of YourselfLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureGod Is All-SufficientGuided By ProblemsJoy In The Midst Of ProblemsRemember Who God IsA Brand New Glimpse Of JesusA Call To God’s ChurchA Childlike FaithA Christ-Honoring EpitaphA Church On FireA Faithful and Helpful FriendA Personal AnswerA Public AnswerBe Sensitive To Your WitnessAwakenings and Quiet TimesCraving Spiritual MilkEmbracing Your Second ChanceSigns Of True RevivalResisting EvilBe DifferentBe AstuteBe Loving
March
Witness with Your WordsGod’s Word Is EnoughStay Rooted In The TruthA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouHave You Met Christ?Focus on the GiverEncountering God’s GraceStanding Accountable Before GodBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardImmeasurably MoreLiving in DenialYour Salvation MomentWhat Does It Look Like To Be The Church?A Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementWhen You Need Hope The End Is Near Stand on the Word of GodA Gracious GiftCelebrating Through BaptismThe Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentGod Draws Us to HimselfFind Rest in the LordBearing The Burdens Of OthersPrioritizing Your Love For Christ
2 Comments
It truly is amazing, and such a blessing, when you’re going through challenging times, to focus on Jesus Christ, giving Him praise … all the time. As I talk with others, I take the opportunity to let them know my positive energy comes solely from the Lord…..He’s got my situation covered, any concern I have and my faith is in Him! It’s hard, I believe for some folks who are experiencing challenges, who say they’ve given it to the Lord, but….have taken it back! We can’t do that. Give it all to Him and let Him take care of it! It makes life sooo much easier!
I choose joy for this day. He has seen me through a seasonal cold recently and shortened the duration. He is good all the time.