How to Keep Your Joy When Life Gets Hard [Audio & Video]
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4 AKJV).
How is it possible for us to rejoice in the Lord always, in every circumstance?
The man who penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit knew what it meant to face difficulties in life. In fact, when he wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was imprisoned. Because of his determination to preach the gospel, he had been beaten, whipped, stoned, and verbally and physically abused. He faced betrayal and hardship from every direction. And yet he said, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
In this audio and video podcast, Susan and I look at Paul’s example and at the biblical keys to successfully keeping your joy in hard times. Because of what Jesus did, we can live in victory, even when our lives are not so perfect.
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NOTES: How to Keep Your Joy When Life Gets Hard
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4, KJV).
The Bible was written by real people going through real things. Paul was someone who experienced real troubles—verbal and physical abuse, beatings, stonings, whippings, betrayal, cares, frustrations, trials on land, trials on sea. He also needed to deal with his own failures and evil deeds of the past. When he wrote this letter, he was in prison. Yet he was able to say, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.”
Another example: David at Ziklag
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (1Samuel 30:6, KJV).
JOY IS NOT BASED ON CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT ON VICTORY IN JESUS
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, KJV).
And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15, MEV).
JOY COMES THROUGH OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalms 16:11, KJV).
Heb. 10:19 enter, John 17:3 know, Eph 2:18 access
JOY IS A CHOICE
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24, KJV).
JOY COMES WHEN WE LEARN TO LIVE FREE FROM CONDEMNATION
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10, KJV).
JOY COMES FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek … To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3, KJV).
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17, KJV).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (Galatians 5:22, KJV).
JOY COMES WHEN WE WALK IN LOVE
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:9-11, KJV).
JOY COMES THROUGH PRAISE
«A Psalm of praise.» Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalms 100:1-5, KJV).
Some of the most joyful people I know are not those who have everything perfect in life. They are those with a thankful heart. Those who are grateful to God. They have learned the secret of a joyful heart.
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