Experiencing God's Presence #181

Always be joyful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

We rely on laws and rules to govern behavior, but everyone knows they can’t govern the human heart. External forces can’t command internal responses. Still, God works into His Word several unexpected instructions: to love Him with all our hearts, to have no anxiety, and to be joyful. How is this possible? How can an outward command be imposed on inward attitudes? How can an untamable heart be tamed by words?

It takes more than words, of course. In a command to “be joyful,” self-discipline isn’t the goal. It isn’t an effective response or even a realistic one. We can’t change our hearts simply by telling them to change. We can, however, realize that our attitudes are off-kilter and ask Him to supernaturally change them. He holds hearts in His hand; He can certainly sway them with His thoughts and fill them with His Spirit. If we are going to be people who are always joyful, this is how it has to be. We can’t follow this instruction in the midst of trying circumstances unless we have a radical change of perspective and supernatural help. Biblical commands to rejoice—especially in suffering, persecution, and the intense trials of life—can only be fulfilled when we depend on Him.

Hear His heart: “I designed you for joy. I sent My Son to you so your joy might be full, abundant, overflowing. I didn’t create you for joy only on pleasant days but for deep, abiding joy in any circumstance. Yes, this seems unrealistic to you. And yes, you can’t simply flip a switch and rejoice. But you can focus on Me, change your perspective, and ask for My heart to fill you. I will gladly give you joy if you ask.”

Father, I’m asking. I want joy—Your joy, the kind I was designed to have and that Jesus promised. Please let me experience it, even in my most trying circumstances. I want the joy that overcomes all obstacles and runs deeper than any pain.

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