How to Have Joy in Difficult Times

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul reflects on his past achievements and religious credentials, ultimately counting them as garbage compared to the worth of knowing Christ. His deep desire is to share in Christ’s sufferings and to attain resurrection life, even if it means enduring hardship. This reveals to us that rejoicing isn’t rooted in comfort or success but in the deeper joy of being found in Christ—of knowing Him and becoming like Him, even through suffering.

Yet, Paul was also the author of Philippians 4:4 which issues a clear command: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” And, it’s sobering to know that this instruction comes not from a place of ease and comfort, but from a prison cell in a deliberate act of faith.

Christian joy is not escapism. It's a discipline rooted deep in knowing Christ, trusting His worth above all else, and believing that His presence is enough—even when life is difficult. Rejoicing in hard times is possible because our joy is anchored not in outcomes, but in the person of Jesus Himself.