Surprisingly, the act of rejoicing transforms us. Paul gives us some amazing insight about rejoicing. Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice![1] Notice Paul says our joy is in the Lord not in our circumstances that try to steal our joy from us.
Science tells us when we are joyful it promotes a healthier lifestyle, boosts our immune system, fights stress and pain and supports longevity.[2] In simple terms rejoicing transforms us. Perhaps you are in a situation today where you don’t feel like rejoicing, but the Holy Spirit is prompting you to rejoice in the Lord. The Lord knows when we rejoice, we begin to look away from our circumstances to our Savior who loves and cares for us.
How Can I Rejoice When I Feel Overwhelmed?
We can be intentional and make a list of what we can be thankful for. We can rejoice that:
- Jesus is my Savior
- The Holy Spirit has called me to faith
- I have salvation
- The Lord hears my prayers
- His word encourages me
- I can pray for others
Psalm 118:24This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. [3]Just writing down a few things that we can rejoice about is encouraging. As we spend time rejoicing, we begin to understand why this is so important to us and the Lord. Psalm 9:2I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.[4]
The Ministry of Messiah Would Bring Joy and Gladness
Isaiah 9:3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. [5]
In the culture of ancient Israel, the harvest time was a time to rejoice and give joy to the Lord. Without a harvest there would be starvation. With a good harvest food would be plentiful for another year.
The ministry of Jesus would bring great joy to Israel where the Lord would do amazing things. His ministry would begin a spiritual transformation and a great harvest of souls that is continuing today. Matthew 9:38Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. [6]
To hear how rejoicing transforms us, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/messiah-foretold
[1,3-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/affects-of-joy#1.-Your-brain