Psalm 32:11 - Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord
always; again I will say, rejoice.
Life can be hectic, filled with challenges that test our faith and resolve. Yet, as Christians, we are called to choose joy regardless of our circumstances. Today, let's explore what it means to choose joy and how this choice impacts our spiritual journey.
Why Choose Joy?
Joy is not just an
emotion; it is a by-product of our salvation and a testament to our faith. Here
are a few reasons why we, as believers, have a profound reason to rejoice:
- Forgiveness of Sins: Our sins are forgiven through
the sacrifice of Jesus (1 John 1:9).
- Righteousness: We are considered righteous in
God's eyes (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Victory Over Death: Death has no power over us (1
Corinthians 15:55-57).
- Eternal Security: We are delivered from eternal
torment (Revelation 20:6).
- Heavenly Home: We have a permanent residence
in heaven (John 14:2-3).
These spiritual truths are set in stone and cannot be changed. They form the foundation of our joy, a joy that transcends our earthly experiences.
The Disconnect Between Spiritual and Physical Realities
Despite these assurances, we often find our joy slipping away. This disconnect arises because spiritual truths can sometimes feel less real compared to our immediate physical experiences. We don't see, touch, or hear these spiritual realities in the same way we experience the physical world.
Paul reminds us in Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
We are called to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. When we focus on our physical circumstances, we can lose sight of our spiritual reality.
Living According to the Spirit
Paul further explains in Romans 8:5-6: "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Choosing joy means shifting our focus from the temporary physical trials to the eternal spiritual truths. Our joy is preserved in the spirit, where God is present.
Our Heavenly Inheritance
Peter offers us
perspective in 1 Peter 1:3-9:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”
Focusing on the Eternal
Paul puts it beautifully
in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:
"For this light
momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all
comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that
are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are
unseen are eternal."
Our trials serve to strengthen our faith, and our perseverance will be rewarded. Jesus assures us in Matthew 5:11-12: "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Conclusion
Choosing joy is an act
of faith. It means trusting in God's promises and focusing on our eternal
inheritance rather than our temporary trials. No matter the challenges we face,
we can rejoice knowing that the victory has already been won. Our final score
is secure.
In the hustle of life,
let us remember to choose joy, for it is rooted in the unshakeable truth of our
salvation.
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