Choosing Joy — No Matter What

Verse of the Day: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”— Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

These words from Paul burst with contagious joy — and what makes them even more powerful is where he wrote them: from a prison cell.

Paul wasn’t surrounded by comfort or ease. He wasn’t celebrating victory or freedom. He was chained — yet his heart was free. Why? Because his joy wasn’t anchored in circumstances. It was anchored in the Lord.

“Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Joy doesn’t come from what we have — it comes from who we have. When we choose to rejoice in the Lord, we’re choosing to focus on His goodness instead of our problems, His promises instead of our pain, His faithfulness instead of our fear.

Joy Is a Choice

Paul doesn’t suggest joy — he commands it. That means joy isn’t something that happens to us; it’s something we choose, again and again.

Even on the hard days. Even when nothing makes sense. Even when tears still fall.

Because joy is not denial — it’s defiance. It’s looking the storm in the face and saying, “My God is still good.”

Rejoice… Again!

Paul repeats himself on purpose:

“Again I will say, rejoice!”

He knew how easily we forget. Life wears us down, but joy in the Lord lifts us up. Each time we choose to rejoice, we realign our hearts with Heaven’s perspective.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that my joy doesn’t depend on what’s around me but on who You are. Even when life feels heavy, help me choose to rejoice. Remind me that Your goodness never changes, and that joy in You is my strength. Amen.

Takeaway: Joy isn’t the absence of trouble — it’s the presence of Jesus. So lift your heart today and say it again: “Rejoice in the Lord always… again I will say, rejoice!” 🌿💛