I know that’s a strong statement, but hear me out.
The world has drilled into us the idea that joy is a reward. Something you “earn” once life finally lines up—when you get the job, marry the right person, buy the dream house, or tick off that bucket list. Until then? Just survive.
📢 Do you want to learn more about how to not just achieve happiness, but genuine joy in your life? Discover the truth in my eye-opening blog entitled, “10 Most Important Bible Verses About Joy.”
But here’s the truth that will flip your perspective upside down: joy is not a finish line. Joy is available right now—yes, even in your mess, even in your waiting, even in your heartbreak.
And there’s one verse that proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) says:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
Did you notice the word “always”? Paul doesn’t say, “Rejoice in the Lord when things are good” or “Rejoice in the Lord when you feel like it.” No conditions. No exceptions.
And here’s the kicker—Paul wrote this from prison. Not from a beach resort. Not after a big win. From a cold, dark cell. If anyone had a reason to hold off on joy, it was him. But instead, he doubled down: Again I will say, rejoice!
That changes everything.
Because if joy was only possible when life was perfect, Paul wouldn’t have had it. And if Paul could have it in chains, then you can have it in your struggle.
Think about your own life for a moment. How much of your happiness depends on things going right? If that job doesn’t work out, if the diagnosis is bad, if the relationship falls apart—does your joy vanish?
If so, you’ve been building your joy on shaky ground.
The kind of joy Paul talks about isn’t rooted in circumstances. It’s rooted in Yahweh Himself. And since God doesn’t change, that joy is rock-solid. Unshakable. Unstoppable.
Friend, imagine the freedom of living like that. Of waking up tomorrow and knowing that no matter what happens—good or bad—you still have a reason to rejoice. That’s not denial. That’s faith. That’s confidence in the One who holds your life in His hands.
Yes, pain will still come. Loss will still hurt. Tears will still fall. But under it all, there will be this deep, steady current of joy that nothing can steal from you.
That’s the kind of joy that changes how you see life. You stop waiting for “someday” and start living in God’s goodness today.
If this truth stirred something in you, then you need to read my full blog: 10 Most Important Bible Verses About Joy. It’s packed with scriptures that will not only lift your spirit but also reframe how you experience life—so your joy doesn’t rise and fall with the storm. Don’t just hope for joy. Discover how to live it—starting now.
