Joy That Cannot Be Shaken
11/13/2025
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
— Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Paul’s words are surprising, not because he calls us to rejoice, but because he calls us to rejoice always. And what makes this even more remarkable is where he wrote it. These weren’t the reflections of a man on vacation or the thoughts of someone whose life was going smoothly. Paul wrote this from prison, chained, confined, and unsure of what awaited him.
Yet in that dark place, joy still rose up in him.
Why? Because Paul had learned a truth many of us overlook: Joy is not tied to our situation; it is tied to our Savior.
We often link joy to improvement. When things get better, when stress lightens, when prayers are answered the way we hoped. But Paul reminds us that joy isn’t the product of circumstances. It’s the fruit of confidence in the God who rules over those circumstances.
I learned this lesson by watching a friend of mine who walked through an incredibly tough season. He had business setbacks, family tension, and a health scare all at one time. It never failed though, every time I checked on him, he would smile and say, “God is doing something, so I’ll rejoice while I wait to see it.” He wasn’t ignoring his struggle. He was elevating his Savior.
That is what Paul is calling us to. A joy rooted in God’s character, God’s presence, God’s promises. A joy that can stand tall when life bends low. A joy that whispers, even through tears, “The Lord has not changed, and He is with me.”
And that’s why Paul says it twice: “Rejoice.” It’s not pressure. It’s invitation. It’s a reminder that we have access to a joy the world can’t give and circumstances can’t steal.
Action Steps:
• Take one minute and thank God for three specific things.
• Speak joy into your own heart, say one verse out loud.
• Text someone and remind them of one way God has been faithful.
Daily Challenge
Before the day shapes your attitude, let God shape your joy. Choose to rejoice first.
Prayer
Father, thank You that my joy is not dependent on my circumstances but rooted in who You are. Teach me to rejoice, not recklessly, but faithfully. Help me lift my eyes from what drains me to the God who sustains me. Fill my heart with a joy that reflects Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
— Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Paul’s words are surprising, not because he calls us to rejoice, but because he calls us to rejoice always. And what makes this even more remarkable is where he wrote it. These weren’t the reflections of a man on vacation or the thoughts of someone whose life was going smoothly. Paul wrote this from prison, chained, confined, and unsure of what awaited him.
Yet in that dark place, joy still rose up in him.
Why? Because Paul had learned a truth many of us overlook: Joy is not tied to our situation; it is tied to our Savior.
We often link joy to improvement. When things get better, when stress lightens, when prayers are answered the way we hoped. But Paul reminds us that joy isn’t the product of circumstances. It’s the fruit of confidence in the God who rules over those circumstances.
I learned this lesson by watching a friend of mine who walked through an incredibly tough season. He had business setbacks, family tension, and a health scare all at one time. It never failed though, every time I checked on him, he would smile and say, “God is doing something, so I’ll rejoice while I wait to see it.” He wasn’t ignoring his struggle. He was elevating his Savior.
That is what Paul is calling us to. A joy rooted in God’s character, God’s presence, God’s promises. A joy that can stand tall when life bends low. A joy that whispers, even through tears, “The Lord has not changed, and He is with me.”
And that’s why Paul says it twice: “Rejoice.” It’s not pressure. It’s invitation. It’s a reminder that we have access to a joy the world can’t give and circumstances can’t steal.
Action Steps:
• Take one minute and thank God for three specific things.
• Speak joy into your own heart, say one verse out loud.
• Text someone and remind them of one way God has been faithful.
Daily Challenge
Before the day shapes your attitude, let God shape your joy. Choose to rejoice first.
Prayer
Father, thank You that my joy is not dependent on my circumstances but rooted in who You are. Teach me to rejoice, not recklessly, but faithfully. Help me lift my eyes from what drains me to the God who sustains me. Fill my heart with a joy that reflects Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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