Joy Over Worry

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:4-7

Everyone has something they’re worried about. We’re all wrestling with anxious thoughts and feelings, like a low-grade fever in our hearts and minds that we can’t seem to shake. We’re worried about our relationships, our school work, our jobs, our health, our finances, and many other things. But as followers of Jesus, it is so important that we do not approach worry the same way the world does. 

As believers, we should be living differently than everyone else. The way we interact with people, the way we handle the circumstances we’re walking through, and the way we navigate tough seasons should set us apart. Therefore, we have an opportunity to point others to Jesus as they watch us go through difficult times. 

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul is saying to rejoice in the Lord always - not sometimes, not most of the time, not when it’s easy or convenient, but all of the time. And not only does he encourage them to rejoice, he models this heart posture for them. As Paul was writing these words, he was sitting in prison. He had every reason to complain and doubt and pitch a fit. But instead, he chose to rejoice in the Lord. 

Regardless of what you’re walking through, joy is always a choice. We have God-given joy available to us at all times according to Philippians 4:7. So let’s decide to choose joy, even when it’s hard, so that we can find peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father as we walk through the troubles this world throws at us.