The clear distinction between happiness and joy is oblivious to many people. Happiness is triggered by the prevailing situation or condition (and therefore temporal) while joy flows unconditionally. For instance, someone may be happy because of promotion, contract award, breakthrough, etc. Joy, on the other hand, does not have any string attached. It is not defined by what goes on around or within you. Apostle Paul remarked on rejoicing in a number of his epistles. He said in 1Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice always” and further emphasized it in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.”
Why do we need to rejoice always? There are many reasons to be happy and joyful all the time. First, when you are full of worry and anxiety about your life, it affects your health. Many people have developed some non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure and hypertension due to worrying. Jesus Christ asked a rhetorical question in Matthew 6:7 “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” Worry is like a dark room where negatives are developed into real images! Therefore, stop worrying; rather rejoice always. It should also be noted that worrying and sadness can never be the solution to your problem. Second, the devil is very much aware of the inherent power in rejoicing always. He rejoices when a child of God is sorrowful, but buries his head in sadness when you are rejoicing. Friend, don’t allow the enemy to steal your joy. Be decisive and purposeful to be joyful and rejoicing always! Third, when you are always in the rejoicing mood, you are telling the devil that your God is in control of the prevailing situation. You are simply saying that you trust your God and have great confidence in His ability, come what may. Job, while passing through afflictions, said “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him …” (Job 13:15). Fourth, rejoicing always lifts your soul, encourages and strengthens you in the phase of trials of life. It builds you up in faith and gives you the courage needed to triumph over difficult situations.
Beloved, both sadness and happiness come from within. I implore you to safeguard your heart with the promises of God in His word. Don’t open the door of your heart to the suggestions of the devil. Reflect on the greatness and goodness of God you have been enjoying. Keep believing and trusting Him. Above all, rejoice always! God be with you. SHALOM
