Although 1 Thessalonians 5:16 may be very short, it runs deep and raises big questions: “Rejoice always!” But how can we be commanded to experience a certain emotion—and all the time?
Classifying “joy” as an emotion isn’t exactly right. Authentic joy is about the heart’s treasure. Rejoicing involves cherishing; we rejoice when we’re moved to admire and applaud greatness. So joy is more than a good feeling. We rejoice when, deep down, we find a settled security and peace in our infinitely excellent God. What’s more, joy isn’t dependent on positive circumstances: Paul rejoiced in God while languishing in prison (Phil 1:12-14).
Further, assent to God’s truth doesn’t necessarily mean rejoicing. Jesus sternly rebuked those who honored God with their lips while their hearts were unaffected (Matt 15:8). In fact, numerous Bible texts teach that true faith in God means the heart is moved, impressed (e.g., Matt 22:37-38; Rom 15:13; Ps 95:1; 98:4; 100:1).
What’s more, biblical joy is joy IN the Lord. Paul doesn’t state this explicitly in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, but it’s clearly implied in the context: “pray constantly” (v 17) means pray to God; “give thanks in all things” (v 18) means give thanks to God. A helpful parallel to 5:16 is Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Christian joy is admiration of God. And just as a sense of awe swells within your heart when you stand at the rim of Niagara Falls staring at the flood of power rushing over the brink, so too your wonder at God expands as you “look up” and recognize his majesty and love.
Our ability to “rejoice always” depends on having a God-centered, God-saturated outlook. So the way to rejoice as a believer isn’t by striving to manufacture an emotional high, but by reveling in the presence of God through Scripture meditation, prayer, worship, and mutual encouragement of faith.
How about you? What moves you? Where’s your heart? Do you have a spiritual reflex to rejoice in the God of glory and grace?
