It is easy to feel overwhelmed and troubled. In this life there is no shortage of difficulties and problems. How we approach our life makes all the difference. We can overcome or be overcome. We can be victorious in life or be victims in life. The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith,” and faith has an attitude, a demeanor, a way of presenting itself. This is where joy comes in. Joy is how faith presents itself. Just like faith, Christian joy does not depend on circumstances or present conditions. Joy is an attitude. It is a posture of the heart. For those who live by faith, joy becomes the expression of that faith. Joy doesn’t wait for the situation to change. Joy is the rock in the midst of difficulty. Joy laughs at its enemies. Joy is happy when in the natural there is nothing to be happy about.

Scripture exhorts, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4, KJV)

Not just when things are going smoothly. We are to rejoice always! Life can pull you down. Problems can pile up. Disappointments can linger. Left unchecked, those things can eradicate hope and steal happiness. You don’t have to let them. You can choose to face life with joy.

Scripture reminds us: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, KJV)

Faith calls us to look beyond where we are now. Faith doesn’t look at the problem, faith looks at the promises of God. The Bible says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; … Even Jesus looked beyond the cross. …who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Joy enables us to endure hardship and tough times. Joy looks ahead and says, “This is not the end of my story.” Your focus very often determines your outcome. If your attention is fixed only on what is going wrong, it can destroy you but when you look to the promises of God and Jesus Himself, joy and peace will reign. Joy often begins with a decision. You decide, I will rejoice. You decide, I will not stay here. You decide, I will believe that something good is about to happen!

The Bible captures this clearly: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, KJV).

Not, we might rejoice. Not, we will have joy if things improve. No. We will rejoice.

This doesn’t mean you ignore pain. Real joy is not denial–it is resilience. It allows you to acknowledge difficulty without being consumed by it. One of the most striking statements found in Scripture: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom… and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18, KJV)

When everything seems to be falling apart, joy is still possible. You were not meant to stay in a place of trouble. You may walk through hard places, but they are not your final destination.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death… thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4, KJV)

Walk through the valley. Joy keeps you moving forward. Joy reminds us that what we see right now is not the final outcome. At the heart of it all is: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10, KJV)

Joy strengthens us when circumstances try to weaken us. Joy is an anchor when everything feels uncertain. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Don’t wait for everything to make sense. Laugh now. Be happy now. Choose joy now. Focus on what is good and lovely. Look to Jesus and the promises of God.

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Gary Bailey began preaching in 1977. For nearly 50 years, Rev. Bailey has actively traveled and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the United States and many other countries. Since 2020, Brother Bailey and his wife Gwen have been pastors at Light Ministries Church in Lewistown. Their emphasis is worship, the preaching of the Word of God, prayer and spiritual gifts, family and fellowship. You are welcome to visit in person at 181 Caldwell Hill Rd., Lewistown, Sundays at 10 a.m. Visit Facebook at Light Ministries Church for livestream service. Contact Pastor Gary at gbmin@mac.com.