Joy Must Be Chosen
Introduction: Two Drivers on I-24
Two commuters were driving to Nashville on I-24 when traffic backed up. One became angry, frustrated, and bitter. The other chose to be thankful: “At least I have a car. At least I have a job to go to.” When they arrived at work, one was still angry, and the other was humming and joyful.
When asked how he could be joyful after that drive, he said, “I chose to be.”
Happiness often depends on what happens to us. Joy is deeper. Joy is something we choose because of God.
Main Text: Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Paul did not write those words while sitting on a beach in comfort. He likely wrote them while chained in prison. Yet he still said, “Rejoice.”
Joy is not the absence of trouble. Joy is choosing to trust God in the middle of trouble.
I. Joy Is a Choice, Not Just a Feeling
Joy is not simply something we feel when life is easy. Joy is something we choose because God is still good.
Paul commands Christians to rejoice. That means joy is not optional for God’s people. We may not be able to choose every circumstance, but we can choose where we place our focus.
Ask:
Where do I get my joy?
Do I get it from circumstances, or from the Lord?
II. Joy Can Be Strength in Our Struggles
Nehemiah 8:10 — “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” The people in Nehemiah’s day had faced brokenness and grief, but God reminded them that His joy could strengthen them.
We all face hard moments: flat tires, broken hearts, sickness, disappointment, grief, and stress. But the joy of the Lord gives strength when life is heavy.
Joy does not mean pretending everything is fine. Joy means remembering that God is still in control.
III. Joy Grows When We Stay Connected
God did not design Christians to live isolated lives.
Jesus chose twelve disciples to walk with Him. The early church lived, worshiped, served, and endured together. Christianity is not meant to be done alone.
There is strength in togetherness. One twig breaks easily, but a bundle is much harder to break.
Sometimes simply being together with God’s people helps restore joy. Seeing someone return after sickness, worshiping together, praying together, and encouraging one another can bring joy back into the heart.
Do not try to carry your burdens alone.
IV. Joy Prepares Us to Endure Trials
James 1:2–3 — “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
This is hard to do. James does not say trials are enjoyable. He says we can count them as joy because God can use them to strengthen our faith.
God never promised that becoming a Christian would mean life would be rainbows and roses. There will be thorns and thistles. But through it all, God remains in control.
Paul endured suffering. Jesus endured the cross. They endured because of love for the Father and because of the joy set before them.
V. Joy Comes From Looking at God’s Blessings
We often lose joy because we focus more on the negative than the positive.
If we made a ledger of our lives, writing down what God has given us on one side and our troubles on the other, we would see that God’s blessings far outweigh our burdens.
Be joyful for simple blessings:
food to eat, clothes to wear, transportation, a place to worship, family, church family, salvation, prayer, Scripture, and hope in Christ.
Many people around the world worship with far less than we have. We should not overlook the blessings God has placed in front of us.
Conclusion: Joy Is Found in Christ
John 15:11 — “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” True joy comes through Christ. It comes through knowing Him, trusting Him, praying to Him, studying His word, and staying connected with His people.
Look for joy. Grab hold of it. Choose it.
When life is hard, remember: joy is not found in perfect circumstances. Joy is found in the Lord.
Invitation
Maybe you need help finding joy again. Maybe you need prayers, encouragement, or to come to Christ. The church is here to help. Come as we stand and sing.