Issue 042: Rejoice Always, Find Joy!
Issue 042 / Episode 036
Good Morning Blessed & Encouraged
Welcome to Faith-Filled, Friendship Friday.
Faith, Freedom, Friendship, Fulfillment, and Favor – five empowering words that can bring joy and inspiration to your day. Philippians 4:4, encourages us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!"
The joy the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. It can be found in temporary pleasures and circumstances, leaving us longing for something more. However, God's joy has staying power. It is a gift that never stops giving to those who have welcomed His son into their hearts. It is a joy that surpasses all understanding and sustains us through life's ups and downs.
Joy is the direct result of having God’s perspective on our daily lives and the effect of loving our Lord enough to obey His commands and trust his promises.
— BILL BRIGHT
Our joy and contentment should not be dependent on our circumstances. Instead, true happiness is found in our relationship with God. By rejoicing always, we can rise above adversity, finding comfort in our faith and trusting in God's unfailing love.
As Christians, we are called to live joyfully and abundantly, not confined by the limitations of worldly happiness. In the midst of our busy lives and daily struggles, it's easy to forget to rejoice. But let us be reminded today that we have a source of joy that is unchanging and eternal.
This day and every day, let us choose Christ, who offers us His peace and His joy. He invites us to lay our burdens at His feet and find rest for our souls. When we accept His joy, it becomes a wellspring within us, overflowing and touching the lives of those around us.
Living in the joy of the Lord doesn't mean we ignore the challenges and trials that come our way. Instead, it means that we approach them with a deep-rooted assurance that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us through every step of the journey. His joy becomes our anchor, grounding us even in the midst of life's storms.
So, as we embrace the joy that comes from knowing Christ, let us not keep it to ourselves. Let us share it with others, for joy multiplied if joy intensified. Through our words, actions, and love, we can be a reflection of God's joy in the lives of those we encounter. In a world longing for true and lasting joy, we have the opportunity to point others to the source of all joy and fulfillment.
How can we live out this verse in our lives today? Here are some steps to help us walk closer with God and extend a helping hand to others:
Cultivate a heart of gratitude: Start each day by expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life. Focus on the goodness of God, even in challenging times. A thankful heart opens doors for joy and contentment.
Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and intentionally seek God's presence throughout your day. Take time to pray, meditate on His Word, and listen to His voice. Embrace the peace and serenity that comes from being in communion with Him.
Choose joy: Despite life's ups and downs, make a conscious decision to rejoice in the Lord always. Allow the joy of the Lord to be your strength, enabling you to navigate through difficulties with a positive mindset and unwavering faith.
Foster meaningful relationships: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who encourage and uplift you in your spiritual journey. Build deep and authentic friendships that reflect the love of Christ. Together, you can help one another be a better reflection of Christ.
Serve others: Extend the joy you experience in your relationship with God to those around you. Look for opportunities to bless and assist others, whether through acts of kindness, lending a listening ear, or offering a helping hand. By sharing God's love, you can bring joy and fulfillment to both you and those you touch.
Today, as you go about your day, remember to rejoice in the Lord. Embrace His peace and His joy, allowing it to surround every aspect of your life. Let His joy shine through you, illuminating the lives of others and drawing them closer to the love of Christ.
Let us remember the powerful words of Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!" By embracing these words in our daily lives, we can find strength, peace, and unwavering joy in our journey with God. Let us live with gratitude, seek His presence, choose joy, foster meaningful relationships, and serve others. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of living in the joy of the Lord.
Heavenly Father,
We come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the joy that you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who brings us everlasting joy. We rejoice in your unfailing love and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Help us cultivate a heart of gratitude, even in challenges. Teach us to see the goodness in every situation and trust your faithfulness. May our lives be a testament to your grace.
Grant us the wisdom to be mindful of your presence throughout our day. Fill our minds and hearts with your truth, aligning our thoughts and actions with your will.
We choose to rejoice in you always, Lord. Strengthen our faith and grant us a positive mindset in difficulties. May our friendships reflect your love, bringing joy and support.
Empower us to share your joy with others. Use us as vessels of your love, bringing fulfillment to those we encounter.
Thank you for the privilege of living in your joy. May our lives be a radiant reflection of your joy, drawing others closer to you. Help us rejoice in you always.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
Be Blessed & Encouraged Rasheeda “Food Mama” Lester
Do you enjoy our content?
Let us know in the comments! We read every message and would love to hear your words and thoughts.
To help us grow, share with a friend and consider becoming a paid member of the community or even buying us a coffee. Blessed & Encouraged is a member driven publication, and your support helps us help others!
However you decide to support me, or my son, just taking the time to hear our message means more than words will ever convey.
Another Encouraging Word to read:
An Uplifting Message to listen to:
