How to Have Joy in Every Circumstance
“Rejoice evermore.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
This short exhortation is packed with depth: “Rejoice evermore.” But how is it possible to rejoice at all times, especially when life brings trials, disappointments, and hardships? The answer lies not in our circumstances, but in Christ and the truths revealed in His Word. Joy is not rooted in fleeting feelings or circumstances, but in eternal realities that never change. If you struggle to find reasons for joy, or need to be reminded of them, let this list help you find it in Christ.
Rejoicing in the Lord
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Php 4:4). Joy is not found in ourselves, but in Him: who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing in us and others (Php 3:1-3; 2Co 10:17). When we meditate on His grace, we can rejoice in every circumstance.
Rejoicing in Salvation and Spiritual Blessings
Our salvation and spiritual blessings in Christ are reasons for constant joy. We have peace with God, justification by faith, and stand in His grace, having already received the atonement for our sins by faith in the gospel (Rom 5:1-2, 8-11). We are already blessed “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). No earthly trial can diminish these riches, you stand complete in Him (Col 2:10)!
Rejoicing in Our Hope of Glory
Part of the mystery of Christ in this dispensation of grace is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). Our future with Him is certain, and present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come (Rom 8:18). This redemption of our bodies is more glorious than we can ever imagine, helping us to endure trials with hope and peace (Rom 8:23-24).
Rejoicing in Tribulations
Strangely enough, we are called to rejoice even in tribulations. Why? Because tribulation works patience, experience, and hope (Rom 5:3-5). Trials are not wasted; God can use them to strengthen us and grow us in Christ (2Co 1:8-10)!
Rejoicing in the Truth
God's truth being preached and believed is something we should rejoice in. Paul rejoiced when Christ was preached, even if some had wrong motives (Php 1:18). Charity rejoices in truth and not in iniquity (1Co 13:6). We too can rejoice whenever the truth goes forth, because God’s Word never returns void (1Th 2:13, Isa 55:11).
Rejoicing in Others’ Growth in Christ
When others stand fast and grow in faith, it is something we can rejoice in and praise God for (2Co 7:7, 13, Php 4:10). Our joy is multiplied when we invest in others and see Christ formed in them: saved and walking in God's grace!
Rejoicing in Sacrifice and Service
One final way we can rejoice is in the privilege of sacrificing for and serving others for their edification. Paul rejoiced in his own sufferings for the church, finding joy in being poured out as an offering for their faith (Php 2:17-18, Col 1:24). Joy does not come from avoiding hardship, but from faithfully serving Christ and others in love and partaking of the sweet spiritual fruit that results.
Conclusion
We can have joy in every circumstance, not because life is easy, but because Christ and His grace are unchanging and strong. We rejoice in Him, in our salvation, in our hope, in tribulations, in truth, in others’ growth, and even in our sacrifices for the sake of others.
This is how we can actually “Rejoice evermore.”
