Rejoice Anyway
In this message, Pastor DaVon shares how you can find true peace and lasting joy, even when life feels overwhelming. Jesus teaches that while challenges are inevitable, rejoicing in Him gives us the strength to overcome. Be encouraged to trust God completely, celebrate His goodness, and walk in victory through Christ.
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Notes
John 16:31-33
Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Indeed, the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus is departing in traumatic fashion, and he’s letting his disciples know what is about to happen before his impending departure.
When the shepherd is struck, the sheep will scatter.
I am not alone; the Father is with me.
Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Jesus
Peace is undisturbed composure
In this verse, in the world means in the earth. You will experience difficulties
When life changes unexpectedly, God’s presence remains.
Be of good cheer - be full of joy
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!
In the Bible, rejoice doesn’t just mean to be happy or excited—it’s deeper than emotion.
To rejoice biblically means:
A choice, not just a feeling. It’s deciding to find joy in God, no matter your circumstances
An act of faith. Rejoicing often happens in the middle of difficulty as a declaration of trust in God’s outcome (James 1:2).
Expressive. It can look like praise, singing, shouting, or even quiet gratitude. It’s outward and inward.
So, biblically speaking, to rejoice is to delight in God, celebrate His goodness, and choose joy in Him regardless of external situations.
New Testament rejoicing suggests that rejoicing flows out of God’s grace
Joy because of His favor.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Before you even know what’s going to happen today, you will rejoice and be glad
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Biblical rejoicing chooses to rejoice regardless of what life looks like.
Rejoicing isn’t pretending everything is fine; it’s choosing to see God above the problems.
“Are you letting circumstances dictate your joy, or is God your source?”
When life is bad, rejoicing looks like:
Thanking God in prayer for what He’s already done.
Singing worship even when you don’t feel like it.
Speaking faith: “Lord, I trust You’ll bring me through.”
Finding joy in His presence, not your circumstances.
When life is good, rejoicing looks like:
Lifting your hands, dancing, clapping, shouting thanks.
Sharing testimonies of God’s goodness.
Being generous with your resources.
Smiling, laughing, enjoying the blessings with a thankful heart.
1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice always
Rejoicing is not tied to feelings; it’s tied to faith.
In hard times, rejoicing is an act of trust; in good times, it’s an act of thanksgiving.
Either way, rejoicing always points back to God as the source of your joy.
Practical Steps to Rejoice Daily
Begin each day thanking God for something.
Encourage others—rejoicing multiplies joy.