In 2 Chronicles 29, after the temple is cleansed, the people are “stationed“ like soldiers around the temple with instruments of David to worship “with gladness” (v. 25-30). This is what rejoicing looks like. It is at the same time a shout of joy and a battle cry.

“Rejoice always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). This command has always seemed impossible to me but thankfully Paul didn’t just say this, he did it. After being beaten and thrown in prison, Paul and Silas “were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,” (Acts 16:25). 

When we rejoice, we not only encourage our own hearts and the hearts of those around us, but we are fighting in the spiritual realm as we believe God for a victory that is not yet seen. 

David was a warrior and a worshipper. I’ve often thought of these as disparate traits but really, they’re one and the same. Worshippers are warriors. David won many important battles physically that impacted Israel for generations but the battles he won spiritually are still impacting millions of believers today. And his physical victories were always preceded by spiritual ones. When he boasted in the Lord in his hardships, rejoicing even when he was depressed, even in the face of a giant Philistine, he won. He knew the key to victory was to rejoice. 

Rejoicing reorients us to the truth of who God is and who we are in Him. When we rejoice, we exalt God above our situation and believe He is working in us and in those around us even when we don’t see it. Rejoicing is a declaration of faith and that is why it pleases God so much. And why it precedes miracles. 

“… and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s bonds were unfastened” (Acts 16:25).  Rejoicing is not an impossible command. Rejoicing calls upon the One who commands the impossible.

Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of ways God has been victorious in your life and the lives of others (look in the Bible for examples!) and take time to praise Him for it.

Rejoice in the Lord in the midst of your current circumstances, believing God will be victorious in them as well! 

Written by Natalie Larson