Day 18

Joy is much more than a fleeting feeling or moment of happiness—it’s a deep, lasting sense of contentment that comes from our relationship with God. In Philippians 4:4, Paul commands us to "Rejoice in the Lord always." This is remarkable, considering Paul wrote this while in prison. His joy didn’t depend on his circumstances; it was rooted in his faith in God. 

Put another way, we can say that while happiness can depend on what “happens”, biblical joy can be present no matter what “happens”. That’s why Paul listed joy among the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. It’s not just an emotion; it’s a character trait.

The world tells us that joy comes from external things—success, comfort, or possessions—but those things are temporary and can’t truly satisfy us. True, biblical joy is found in the presence of God, in trusting Him and resting in His promises. No matter what we face in life, we can experience joy because God is with us, working all things together for good.

So what does it mean to live our joy as a fruit of the Spirit? As we walk closely with God, joy becomes a natural overflow of our lives, even when things are hard. It’s a choice we make to trust God and to focus on His goodness rather than our problems. When we rejoice in the Lord, we reflect His joy to those around us, drawing others toward the source of true and lasting joy.

Reflection:

- What are some things in your life that tend to steal your joy?

- How can you choose to find joy in the Lord today, even if your circumstances are challenging?

- Are there areas where you need to shift your focus from temporary happiness to the lasting joy found in God?

Action Step:

Take a moment today to list a few reasons why you can rejoice in the Lord. Spend time reflecting on God’s goodness, His love, and His presence in your life. Throughout the day, when you feel discouraged or frustrated, pause and remind yourself of these reasons to rejoice.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. Help me to find joy in Your presence, regardless of my circumstances. When life gets tough, remind me that true joy is found in trusting You and resting in Your promises. Teach me to rejoice in You always and to reflect that joy to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Verse:

Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

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