My middle name is “joy,” and people often describe me as “joyful.” Joy used to come naturally to me, and Nehemiah 8:10 (“…the joy of the LORD is your strength”) has been one of my life verses for as long as I can remember (it’s even inscribed on my wedding band!). But recently I’ve found myself stuck in a pattern of complaining and comparing. This comparison sneaks in and uproots the joy found in Jesus. It’s easy to feel justified in my complaining—I’m just venting or just being honest. But as I’ve been reading God’s Word, I’ve been noticing how believers remind themselves and others to practice joy regardless of circumstances. In Psalm 42, the writer directs his soul: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5). Even when he feels downcast, the writer chooses to practice praise.  

Today’s passage in Romans is written by Paul, a fellow believer who definitely knew hardship. And yet he calls his fellow believers to joy. In Philippians 4 he repeats this exhortation: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Instead of following our feelings, we’re instructed to direct our souls to practice the fruits of the Spirit, including joy. Society places feelings above all else, but in Scripture we learn that God is greater than our hearts (1 John 3:20) and calls us to follow Him regardless of whether we feel like it. 

Joy found in Christ is sincere because it stems from God and not from circumstances. When our circumstances are painful, we can have a sincere joy resting in God’s redemption and presence. In a culture that is self-obsessed, what a beautiful witness when people look outside of themselves, rejoicing with others and rejoicing in God. If we’re struggling to know where to start, here are some ideas from God’s Word:  

• We can rejoice in this day, as it is made by the Lord (Psalm 118:24) 




• We can rejoice in God’s Word (Psalm 119) 




• We can rejoice with others who are experiencing joy (Romans 12:15- today’s passage!) 




• We can rejoice in the hope we have in the Lord (Romans 12 again!) 




• We can rejoice in trials and how God uses them to grow us (James 1:2-4) 




• We can rejoice in our salvation (1 Peter 1:8-9) 




• We can rejoice in God’s creation and how it points to Him (Psalm 8, Psalm 19, Romans 1:20) 




• We can rejoice in God (Romans 15:13) 

What does joy look like for you today? It might not be happy, bubbly or excited, but it can be sincere and steadfast, grounded in God’s truth and compassion. Praise God for His sincere joy.