One of the biggest misconceptions when following Christ is that life becomes a whole lot easier when you're a Christian. This is far from the truth. God never promises us storm-free lives. In fact, Jesus made it very clear in John 16:33 that problems, difficulties and challenges will still come: "...you shall have suffering in the world."
So does that mean that we'll never be happy? Absolutely not! In fact, God calls us to be happy even though we experience trials. You see, the world wants us to believe that our happiness is based on our circumstances, so when our circumstances change, so does our mood.
But God wants to remind us to place our hope and joy not on circumstances that will always be variable as long as we're alive, but to place our hope and joy on Jesus Christ who is the author and perfecter of our faith. There will never be a day without trial. The Bible says that "sorrow may come in the night," but also promises that "joy comes in the morning."
Who brings light to the morning? It's no other than God, and as surely as the sun rises, God will come and bring joy and peace. All we are called to do is rely on Him and not on anyone or anything else for joy. God is the perfect and ultimate source of unlimited and unspeakable joy.
Here are some verses that will help remind us to always rejoice in God even in the midst of dire circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 | Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4 | Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Psalm 118:24 | The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
John 16:24 | Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Psalm 32:7 | You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Nehemiah 8:10b | "...And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Isaiah 12:6 | "... Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Romans 15:13 | May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
