Paul’s exhortation to “rejoice always” in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is a call for Christians to cultivate an attitude of joy that transcends our circumstances. Though we will all face trials and hardship in this life, we can rejoice in the eternal hope we have through faith in Christ. Rejoicing always is rooted in gratitude for God’s grace and trust in His sovereign plan.
The Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Paul’s statement to “rejoice always” comes within his closing commands to the Thessalonian church. 1 Thessalonians was one of Paul’s earliest letters, written after he had preached the gospel in Thessalonica and established a church there. In chapter 5, Paul encourages the believers to live holy lives and love one another. His exhortation to constant rejoicing comes right after telling them to “pray without ceasing” (v. 17). This indicates that rejoicing always is linked to a lifestyle of continual communication with God.
The verse on rejoicing also leads into Paul’s instruction to “give thanks in all circumstances” (v. 18). Rejoicing always naturally leads into thanksgiving, as a joyful heart recognizes the good gifts God provides, even in difficult times. So rejoicing always has two key connections – ceaseless prayer and constant thanksgiving. True joy leads us into deeper fellowship with God.
What Does It Mean to Rejoice Always?
When Paul says to “rejoice always,” he can’t mean that believers should walk around with a smile plastered on their faces, acting happy every single minute of life. The call to rejoice always…
1. Is not a call to fake positivity or deny pain. Christians do not pretend that suffering isn’t real or always put a positive spin on tragic circumstances. Sincere rejoicing co-exists with grief and tears amid hardship.
2. Is not dependent on circumstances. Our rejoicing is internal, not based on external factors. Life brings many difficulties and trials that naturally create sadness and grief. But in Christ, we have cause to rejoice in the midst of both good and bad situations.
3. Is rooted in our relationship to Christ. Our rejoicing is based on the salvation, hope, purpose, and comfort we have through faith in Jesus. Because of the gospel, Christians can rejoice even when facing pain, loss, grief, uncertainty, and more.
4. Is a daily choice and discipline. Rejoicing always requires choosing faith and gratitude regardless of our emotions and life events. As we abide in Christ, practice spiritual disciplines, and renew our minds in the Word, rejoicing becomes more natural. But it still requires intentionality.
5. Produces inner stability amid changing emotions. Our emotional state tends to go up and down. But when rejoicing is rooted in our identity in Christ, we gain ballast that steadies us through shifting circumstances. Christians have inner stability that allows us to rejoice in hope while still feeling the pain of the moment.
6. Result of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. We cannot manufacture constant inner rejoicing on our own. As we walk in the Spirit and surrender control to Christ, He produces His fruit in us – including love, joy, peace, and more (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit sustains genuine rejoicing always in our hearts.
So rejoicing always is not a feeling we can switch on and off. It is a steady, underlying posture of worship, gratitude, and delight in God that runs deeper than our changing emotions. Even in grief, we can rejoice knowing that Christ has conquered death forever. Even in suffering, we can rejoice knowing that God will renew all things. Even in uncertainty, we can rejoice knowing that God holds the future. This deep assurance fuels constant rejoicing.
The Foundation for Rejoicing Always
How is it possible to rejoice always in a broken world full of sorrow and uncertainty? For the believer, our rejoicing is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Here are some of the key foundations for rejoicing always:
– Salvation through Christ – We rejoice in the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. Our sins are forgiven, and we have peace with God forever (Romans 5:1-2).
– New life in Christ – When we turn to Jesus, we are given a new heart, born again by the Spirit into eternal life (John 3:3-8). This is abundant cause for rejoicing.
– Adoption as God’s children – Through faith we are brought into God’s family as His dearly loved children (1 John 3:1). We have an eternal inheritance in Christ that can never be taken away.
– Indwelling of the Holy Spirit – God’s very presence dwells in us through His Spirit, guiding, convicting, empowering, and producing spiritual fruit (Romans 8:9-17). The Spirit cultivates inner joy.
– Assurance of future hope – We rejoice knowing Christ has promised to return and make all things new. Our trials are momentary compared to the eternal joy in God’s presence (2 Peter 3:13).
– Confidence in God’s sovereignty – We can rejoice knowing that an all-powerful and loving God is in control, working out His good plans in our lives and world (Romans 8:28).
– Purpose in Christ – Rather than living for self, we rejoice in using our gifts to serve God and build His Kingdom. Our lives have eternal impact in Christ (Matthew 6:19-21).
This is just a sampling of the profound spiritual blessings that are ours through faith in Jesus Christ. Even in the darkest times, the believer can rejoice in the love, grace, purpose, and hope we have in the gospel. Our rejoicing comes from knowing Christ, not from positive circumstances.
How to Practice Rejoicing Always
The command to rejoice always is clearly not natural or easy. Here are some biblical strategies and practical disciplines that can help us learn to rejoice always:
– Spend time daily in God’s Word – As we read and meditate on Scripture, our minds are renewed and our perspective transformed to become more joyful (Psalm 1:2, Romans 12:2).
– Develop a heart of thanksgiving – Cultivate gratefulness to God in all things and maintain a gratitude journal. Thanking God for blessings re-orients our mindset toward rejoicing.
– Pray through difficulties – Bringing our pain and grief to God in prayer allows joy and trust to grow even in the darkest times (James 1:2-4).
– Sing praise to God – Singing worship songs directs our focus to God’s glory and grace. Making praise music a regular habit trains our hearts to rejoice always (Psalm 100:2).
– Attend church consistently – Gathering with other believers for corporate worship strengthens our faith and renews inner joy (Psalm 122:1).
– Serve others – Focusing less on self and looking to meet others’ needs fills our hearts with purpose and joy (Acts 20:35).
– Share our faith – Telling non-believers about the hope of Christ reminds us of the joy of salvation. It also expands God’s Kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20).
– Give generously – Generosity trains our hearts to find joy in giving and trusting God rather than accumulating things (2 Corinthians 9:7).
– Develop Christian community – Having fellowship and spiritual friendships provides support and perspective when faced with difficulties and discouragement.
– Remember Christ’s return – Keeping our eyes on eternity and the joy set before us gives strength to rejoice now (Titus 2:13).
The key is developing rhythms of spiritual habits that orient our mindset away from temporary troubles and toward the eternal. As rejoicing becomes more natural, we gain the stability and courage needed to walk through suffering while still praising God for His redemption. With practice over time, rejoicing always becomes less of a choice and more of a reflex response to both blessings and trials.
What Rejoicing Always Produces in Our Lives
At first glance, the idea of rejoicing always can seem countercultural and impractical. But joy is a supremely powerful force. As we learn to rejoice always in Christ amid any circumstance, here are some of the fruits it produces in our lives:
– Supernatural strength and endurance to withstand suffering and trials (Nehemiah 8:10)
– Motivation for continued obedience even in difficult seasons (Jeremiah 15:16)
– Capacity to show grace and forgiveness to others (Ephesians 4:32)
– Freedom from fear and anxiety about the future (Psalm 94:19)
– Testimony of peace that attracts others to the gospel (John 14:27, Matthew 5:16)
– Perseverance to run the race of faith and finish well (Hebrews 12:1-3)
– Resilience after going through hardship and grief (Psalm 30:5)
– Gratitude that moves us to generosity and concern for others (2 Corinthians 8:1-2)
– Boldness and courage to keep speaking truth in love (Acts 5:41)
Rejoicing always frees us to live fully and faithfully in a broken world, without being weighed down by fear, anxiety, anger, or despair. Our lives become radiant testimonies to the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Though often countercultural, rejoicing always displays the supernatural peace, freedom, and strength available to those who put their trust in Jesus.
Example of Rejoicing Always – Paul and Silas in Jail
One biblical example that beautifully illustrates genuine rejoicing always is found in Acts 16:22-34. Paul and his partner Silas are stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison for preaching the gospel. But while sitting in their cell, around midnight, they start praying and singing hymns to God!
What are Paul and Silas rejoicing about in this bleak situation? They were singing in full knowledge of God’s presence and providence. Despite dire circumstances, they had confidence that God would use their suffering for good – and indeed He did. Through their joyful praise, the Lord brought the jailer and his whole family to salvation in Christ!
Even in the midnight hour, in physical misery and confinement, Paul and Silas rejoiced because their hope was anchored in heaven. Their circumstances could not dictate their spiritual reality in Christ. With backs torn open from beatings, they still overflowed with joy in the Holy Spirit. This is a powerful example of what it means to rejoice always.
Objections and Misconceptions
Some common objections arise regarding the biblical command to rejoice always:
1. “Rejoicing always seems fake or insensitive.” – Authentic rejoicing co-exists with sorrow and tears in times of grief and pain. We do not deny suffering, but bring it to the God of all comfort.
2. “This sets up false expectations for believers.” – Rejoicing always is not expected immediately, but cultivated over a lifetime of walking with Christ. Grace covers our failures.
3. “Some circumstances are just too awful.” – Even horrific suffering is not meaningless to God. We look to Christ on the cross and trust the plans of the Creator who defeated death.
4. “I don’t feel like rejoicing right now.” – Rejoicing is not based solely on feelings, but on inhabiting spiritual reality in Christ. We can rejoice even when emotions are low.
5. “This sounds superficial or avoidant.” – Biblical joy engages fully with the brokenness of life. But pain does not have the final say. Evil is defeated in Christ.
6. “Rejoicing seems insensitive to others’ pain.” – We weep with those who weep. But through our grief, we point them to the redeeming hope we have in Jesus.
While rejoicing always is difficult, and takes a lifetime to master, it is not an unrealistic command. Despite misconceptions, this ancient exhortation to joy remains relevant to believers in every age. For the Christian, uncompromised rejoicing is possible because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5 to “rejoice always” embodies a paradox fundamental to the Christian faith. We rejoice always because no circumstance can shake the eternal spiritual realities grounded in Christ. Evil does not have the final word. Suffering is temporary. God’s Kingdom will soon make all things new.
We can rejoice always because nothing – hardship, grief, pain, tragedy, or pandemics – can steal the everlasting hope we have in Jesus. Times of sorrow and joy can co-exist. But underneath changing emotions, we have a river of joy that flows from the gospel. This deep rejoicing remains untouched by the trials we walk through.
Rejoicing always won’t happen by accident. As disciples of Jesus, we must intentionally practice spiritual disciplines that keep our focus on the unseen rather than the seen. But with commitment over time, rejoicing becomes less of a choice and more of a reflex – our second nature as beloved children of God. By God’s grace, as we walk in the light of eternity, we can rejoice always.