Joy

Week of September 26, 2025

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

Joy. It’s a word we all long for, yet it often feels elusive in a world full of challenges, deadlines, and disappointments. But the truth is this: real joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. We find real joy in the presence of God. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, understood this better than most. Everything around him screamed hardship and despair. But still he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” How is this possible? Not because life is easy, but because the source of his joy – God – is unshakable. Joy comes when you truly believe God is at work. When we choose to rejoice, what we are doing is acknowledging that God is bigger than our problems and more powerful than any obstacle.

Joy also transforms how we relate to others. When our hearts are full of God’s joy, our words become encouraging, our actions are kindness, and our presence is uplifting to people.

I want to encourage you to choose joy in your life. Not because everything is perfect, but because our God is perfect. Not because your circumstances are ideal, but because your Savior is faithful. Will you make the declaration today, “I will rejoice,” because you believe He will carry you through?

God Bless, Pastor Rick