How to Rejoice Always: Small Habits, Big Faith

Have you ever noticed that the simplest commands in the Bible often feel the hardest to do in practice? Jesus’s call to love our enemies is one such command (Matthew 5:44). And the Apostle Paul’s charge to “Rejoice in the Lord always” in Philippians 4:4 is another.

God clearly wants us to rejoice in Him at all times, but… how? How do you rejoice in the Lord when your marriage feels like a nonstop fight, the church you love so much splits, the job you need so badly falls through, or the specialist delivers the diagnosis you’ve been dreading?

When life hits hard and there are no quick fixes to your problems, rejoicing in the Lord might be the last thing on your mind. Even so, we must remember that for those in Christ, joy in the Lord is within reach. But it doesn’t just fall in our laps. Often, we must actively choose joy in our responses to life’s challenges and seek joy in the Lord consistently—first through small habits and then through bigger spiritual disciplines.

What Joy in the Lord Is Not

Before we explore what it looks like to find joy in the Lord in all circumstances, let’s talk about what joy in the Lord is not.

Joy in the Lord is not faking a smile at church or small group when you’re deeply hurting.

Joy in the Lord is not “counting your blessings” while ignoring your struggles.

Joy in the Lord is not chasing that mountaintop experience with God that you had long ago at a Christian retreat or worship night and somehow managing to muscle that glorious feeling into your day to day.

Joy in the Lord is not something you only get to experience on Sunday when the worship team is really on point.

What Joy in the Lord Really Is

Ultimately, joy in the Lord flows out of consistent, unhurried time in the presence of God. The psalmist David understood this well when he penned the words, “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures” (Psalm 16:11).

Joy in the Lord comes from satisfying all of the deepest thirsts in your life with His presence and strength when you meet with God regularly in prayer and worship instead of chasing the fleeting pleasures of life.

Joy in the Lord comes from bringing Him your most persistent sin struggles and your deepest wounds, asking for His help and wisdom in your daily challenges—and His sustaining grace in any areas of longstanding suffering.

Joy in the Lord comes from giving these hurts, wounds, struggles, and challenges over to the Lord daily to make space in both your mind and your heart for the gladness that the Lord brings.

Remember that the command to rejoice always is not given in isolation. It precedes other commands that help you make space for rejoicing, such as Philippians 4:6–7: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Small Habits to Help You Rejoice Always

Building a deep and satisfying relationship with the Lord that produces abundant joy can start with small habits as you establish bigger, richer spiritual disciplines. Consider the following:

Play a favorite worship song every day.

If you only worship on Sunday morning, you’re missing out on one of the greatest joys that can be found in your week. Psalm 100:2 says to “come before him with joyful songs.”

Pray for fifteen minutes each day.

If you haven’t yet established a habit of prayer, start with a small goal of just fifteen minutes a day. Carve out time to praise God for who He is, confess any sin that’s weighing on your heart, bring any requests to the Lord, and thank Him for His provision and goodness in your life. Yes, even fifteen minutes can get you in the habit of rejoicing when your gratitude begins to flow into a true celebration of God’s goodness.

Memorize Scripture on joy.

If you find that the command to “rejoice always” is a struggle, commit to memorizing Scripture pertaining to joy and watch how the Word of God works wonders on your heart. A few options include the following:

“For you have made me rejoice, Lord, by what you have done; I will shout for joy because of the works of your hands” (Psalm 92:4).
“When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy” (Psalm 94:19).
This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

If you’re wondering how it’s possible to rejoice always, you’re not alone. Many Christians find this seemingly simple command easier said than done, especially in seasons of suffering. But by understanding what it means to rejoice always (and what it is not), you can begin taking consistent steps to find joy in the Lord and express that joy in true celebration in God’s presence, where abundant joy is found.