The Choice to Rejoice

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" — Philippians 4:4

At the turn of the 20th century, around 1905, a woman and her husband, an evangelist, traveled to New York. During their visit, they met an older couple, Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, who left an impact on them.

The Doolittles had their share of struggles and ailments, yet they radiated cheerfulness and joy. Curious, the evangelist and his wife asked, "How is it that you can be so cheerful despite your troubles?"

Mrs. Doolittle's response was simple but thought-provoking: "Because I know His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He's watching me."

This phrase stayed with Civilla Martin, the evangelist's wife, and inspired her to write the beloved hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." The song reminds us that we can sing because we're happy, we can sing because we're free, and we can rest in the assurance that God watches over us.

As the hymn beautifully declares:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
 
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.

Joy isn't just an emotion; it's a deliberate choice that we make regardless of our circumstances. The Apostle Paul understood this deeply. Writing from a prison cell, he encouraged believers to "rejoice in the Lord always."

This wasn't a form of ignorant positivity or denial of the hardships he faced. Instead, it reflected the truth: joy is anchored in Who God is, not in what's happening around us.

Choosing to rejoice is like carrying an umbrella in a storm — the rain may still fall, but we are protected. Each day that we decide to focus on joy, especially in the face of trials, we build a foundation of peace and stability that anxiety cannot easily shake.

Reflection Question: What specific attributes of God can you focus on today that will help you choose joy regardless of your circumstances?

Lord, help me to find my joy in Who You are rather than in my circumstances. Teach me to rejoice even when it's difficult, knowing that You remain unchanging and faithful. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from: "God's Answer for Worry": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/2m83fmg/9-god-s-answer-for-worry