This post was updated on November 16, 2024.
How to Rejoice Daily in the Lord
Key Verses:
- Philippians 4:4 (NIV): Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
- Psalm 100:4 (NIV): Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
- Malachi 3:6 (NIV): I the LORD do not change.
Rejoicing in All Seasons
How do you rejoice in the Lord daily? Is it easy for you, or do you find it hard to practice when life is challenging? I’ve found that it’s easy to rejoice when everything is going well. But when the storms of life hit, the joy seems to slip away quickly. If you’ve felt this way too, you’re not alone!
This is exactly why we need to practice rejoicing daily, in every circumstance. Rejoicing is not just a reaction to good times; it’s a choice we make because of who God is.
A Reminder from Scripture
I’m currently praying through Praying the Scriptures for Motherhood, and one passage brought me back to Philippians 4. Isn’t it incredible how God knows exactly what we need, even before we do?
You can find the book Praying the Scriptures for Motherhood here (and it’s currently on sale!). *This isn’t an affiliate link—just a resource I genuinely love and want to share!
A Real-Life Example
Recently, after a sleepless night with my toddler, I felt far from joyful. I was cranky, exhausted, and just wanted some quiet time to sip my coffee. However, I decided to open my Bible and spend time in prayer. God immediately reminded me of the importance of rejoicing in Him, even in moments like these.
Philippians 4:4: A Deeper Look
Paul’s command in Philippians 4:4 is clear: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a directive, repeated for emphasis.
Let’s dive deeper into two key words in this verse:
- Rejoice (Greek: chairo): To be glad or to take delight.
- Always (Greek: pantote): At all times; in every situation.
Paul isn’t telling us to rejoice because of our circumstances but to rejoice in the Lord, whose character never changes.
Understanding Joy: Rooted in God’s Unchanging Nature
It’s essential to distinguish between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on what’s happening around us—it’s circumstantial. Joy, however, is anchored in the unchanging nature of God. This is why Malachi 3:6 is so powerful: “I the LORD do not change.” God is El Olam, the Everlasting God.
In a world that changes rapidly, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by life’s ups and downs. But the joy we find in God is steadfast because He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Psalm 100: A Daily Guide for Rejoicing
If you’re unsure how to rejoice daily, Psalm 100 provides a beautiful, step-by-step guide. I like to call it “A Daily Guide on Rejoicing.” Let’s break it down:
Action Words to Look For:
- SHOUT
- WORSHIP
- COME
- KNOW
- ENTER
- GIVE THANKS
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown
- Shout for Joy to the LORD (v1): Lift up a great shout of joy! This isn’t quiet or reserved—it’s a call to celebrate who God is.
- Worship the LORD with Gladness (v2): The Passion Translation puts it beautifully, “Sing your way into his presence with joy!” Worship softens our hearts and refocuses us on Jesus.
- Know that the LORD is God (v3): We must remember who we are worshipping—Jehovah Elohim, our Creator. He is our Shepherd (Jehovah Rohi), and we are His sheep.
- Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving (v4): Approach God with a heart full of gratitude. Praise His beautiful name!
- Give Thanks and Praise His Name (v5): Why? Because God is always good, His love endures forever, and His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Hebrew Word Study: Shout for Joy
In Hebrew, the word shout (rua’) is used in Psalm 100:1. It means to raise a joyful noise, a triumphant cry. It’s not a quiet or reserved expression—it’s a bold proclamation of God’s goodness. This kind of praise reflects a deep, heartfelt joy rooted in our trust in God.
Why Rejoicing Daily Matters
Why is it so important to make rejoicing a daily practice? Because it takes our focus off of our problems and puts it back on God. We’re reminded of His goodness, His promises, and His unchanging nature. Rejoicing is a way of drawing near to God and finding rest in His presence.
Does this mean all of our problems vanish? No, it doesn’t. But it does mean we can have peace in our circumstances because our joy is not tied to what’s happening around us—it’s anchored in the Lord.
How to Rejoice Daily: Practical Steps
- Start Your Day with Worship: Even if you’re tired or grumpy, put on a worship song and sing your way into God’s presence.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for every morning. It’s a simple way to shift your perspective and begin the day with joy.
- Memorize Scripture: Psalm 100 and Philippians 4:4 are great verses to start with. Hide them in your heart, and they’ll be there when you need them most.
- Pray with Rejoicing: When you pray, start by thanking God for who He is. Praise Him for His attributes, like His faithfulness and unchanging nature.
Rooted in Joy
Friend, when we choose to rejoice in the Lord daily, we are choosing to stand firm in His promises. We’re acknowledging that our circumstances don’t define who God is or what He can do. When we root our joy in His character, we find a peace that surpasses understanding and a joy that endures through every season.
Spend time this week in Psalm 100. Underline those action words and reflect on how you can implement them in your daily life. Share in the comments how you plan to rejoice in the Lord today, even if it feels hard. Let’s encourage one another to live joyfully, rooted in our unchanging God!
Stay wildly faithful.
xoxoxo, Erin
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