The wrong perception and a negative attitude are harmful to our health and steal our joy — which is exactly what the enemy desires. He wants us to be sad, anxious, and depressed so that we lose hope. this is not God’s will for us.
God’s will is that we rejoice always, whether things are going well or when life seems difficult. He wants us to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is His will in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
A sad and hopeless believer goes against God’s command and His word. God instructs us to rejoice even in times of trials and difficulties, for such moments test our faith. As it is written:
“Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” — James 1:2–4
We rejoice in suffering not because pain feels good, but because we trust that God uses trials to build endurance, strong character, and hope within us (Romans 5:3–5). Through these challenges, He shapes us to be more like Christ, so that when Jesus returns in His full glory, we will be perfect and complete in Him.
Even the Apostle Paul, while imprisoned in chains in a Roman dungeon, wrote his final letter urging believers to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Despite his suffering, Paul’s faith remained unshaken because he knew that God reigns on His throne forever, sovereign over every circumstance in heaven and on earth.
We rejoice always because we are from God and have overcome the world, for “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Our joy is not based on outward circumstances but on the victory we already have in Christ Jesus.
The enemy’s purpose is clear — he comes “to steal, kill, and destroy,” but Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). While the enemy tries to steal our peace, joy, and faith, Jesus restores them in full measure through His Spirit living in us.
When our faith is tested, we count it all joy, knowing that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and perseverance builds strong character, which leads to hope (James 1:2–4; Romans 5:3–5).
This hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Even in times of trial, we stand firm and rejoice, knowing that every challenge refines our faith, strengthens our character, and draws us closer to God who lives in us and works through us.
Therefore, let us place our complete trust in God, for nothing — no power, dominion, or darkness — can stop His will and purpose from being fulfilled in our lives when we walk in obedience and faith with the help of God's Holy Spirit in us.