How to Find Lasting Joy

In Philippians 4:4, the Apostle Paul encourages us to:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”

What makes this so compelling is the context in which Paul wrote it. He had endured immense suffering. Like imprisonment, beatings, and other hardships. He was also in prison when he wrote this! Despite his circumstances, Paul found the strength to rejoice. It seems almost unbelievable, right? What was his secret? His joy was deeply rooted in the Lord. His focus was on God, not his circumstances.

When we focus on God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and love we can find joy in the most difficult situations. It’s a joy that goes beyond mere happiness. Joy attached to happiness, which is often connected to whether our lives are going according to our plan, can be fleeting. The joy we’re talking about is a deep sense of contentment and peace that comes only from knowing and trusting in God.

3 Ways to Know God Better

1) Study the Scriptures:

Get into the Bible regularly to learn more about God’s character. Learn more about His promises, and His love for you. The Bible is God’s Word and through it, we can gain a deeper understanding of who He is and how He works in our lives.

If studying the Bible is new to you and you’re not sure where to begin, there are lots of resources out there. You can join an in-person or digital discussion group. You could purchase a Bible study book, workbooks, or watch videos.

2) Prayer and Meditation: 

As you may already know, communication is key in any relationship. Including our relationship with God. Spend time in prayer and talk to God about your life. Your joys, struggles, and desires. He wants to communicate with you. Also, make space for silent meditation to listen for God’s voice and guidance. Developing a habit of prayer and meditation will strengthen your relationship with God. It can also help teach you how to trust Him. 

3) Community and Worship: 

Be intentional about surrounding yourself with other believers. Fellow believers that can support and encourage you in your faith journey. Some community ideas could be worship gatherings, small group studies, or social events. Build a community that shares your desire to know God more. Through worshiping together and learning from one another, you’ll deepen your understanding of God. You can even find joy in the shared experience.

The Fullness of Joy in God’s Presence

Psalm 16:11 celebrates the joy we can find in God’s presence by declaring

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

The psalmist acknowledges that true and complete joy is found in the presence of God. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a fullness that satisfies our deepest longings. The phrase “the pleasures of living with you forever” suggests that the joy we experience in God’s presence is eternal. Far surpassing any temporary happiness the world can offer.

This verse is an invitation for us to continually seek God’s presence. Giving us understanding that it can be the source of our deepest joy. 

Reflect on Your Thought Life

Take a moment today to reflect on these questions. Are you joyful? Where are you seeking joy? Are you looking for it in material possessions, human relationships, or accomplishments? Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to help you discover and embrace the joy that comes from being in His presence. 

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You are the true source of our joy. Help us to find our delight in Your presence and to trust in Your goodness, even when life’s circumstances are challenging. Teach us to seek joy not in the fleeting things of this world, but in our relationship with You, where we find fullness and peace. We ask that You fill us with Your joy and that it would overflow into every area of our lives. May we always rejoice in You, knowing that Your love and faithfulness endure forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.