Rejoice Always: How Men Can Find Joy in Life’s Toughest Seasons

1,118 words, 6 minutes read time.

A rugged man stands on a mountain trail at sunrise, arms raised, with a determined smile, symbolizing joy in God’s presence. The title “Rejoice Always: How Men Can Find Joy in Life’s Toughest Seasons” overlays the vibrant sky.

I’ve had days where joy felt like a pipe dream. A couple of years back, I got laid off from a job I poured my heart into. Bills stacked up, my confidence took a nosedive, and God seemed to be on mute. The idea of “rejoicing” in that mess sounded like a bad joke. Yet Philippians 4:4 (NIV) hits us square in the chest: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Always? When life feels like it’s crumbling? Paul wrote those words from a Roman prison, not a cozy office. As men, we’re often told to grit our teeth and push through. But biblical joy isn’t about faking it or ignoring the pain. It’s a stubborn choice to trust God’s goodness, no matter what. This devotional is for you—whether you’re thriving or barely hanging on. Let’s dig into how to choose joy in every season.

Understanding Philippians 4:4: The Call to Rejoice

Philippians 4:4 (NIV) says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a command. The Greek word for “rejoice” (chairo) means an active, ongoing choice, not a fleeting mood. Paul doubles down with “I will say it again,” like a coach yelling at you to get back up after a hit. He’s not calling us to fake happiness but to anchor our joy in the Lord, who never changes. This verse is our battle cry when life’s storms hit, reminding us that joy is possible because God is faithful.

The Context of Paul’s Joy

Paul penned Philippians around A.D. 60–62, likely from a Roman prison. He faced beatings, shipwrecks, and betrayal (2 Corinthians 11:23–28), yet his letter to the Philippians mentions joy over a dozen times. The church in Philippi, a proud Roman colony, dealt with persecution and poverty (Philippians 4:14–16). Paul’s call to rejoice wasn’t for people living easy lives; it was for those in the trenches. For men today, this means joy isn’t tied to your bank account, your job, or your circumstances—it’s tied to Christ.

Joy in the Grind of Life

How do you choose joy when life’s kicking you down? Paul gives us a roadmap in Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer comes first—raw, honest, even angry prayer. I’ve shouted at God in my car, and He’s never flinched. Then comes thanksgiving, the part that feels like swallowing gravel. When I was jobless, thanking God for small things—like a hot meal or a friend’s call—started to shift my perspective. Try it: write down three things you’re grateful for today, no matter how minor. It’s not about denying the struggle; it’s about seeing God in it.

Joy in Relationships

Let’s get real—relationships can suck the joy right out of you. A tense marriage, a kid who’s gone off the rails, or a coworker who’s thrown you under the bus can make “rejoice always” feel like a taunt. Paul dealt with relational drama in Philippi too (Philippians 4:2–3). For me, choosing joy meant forgiving a buddy who ghosted me when I needed him most. I prayed for him daily, not because I felt like it, but because God called me to. Over time, my anger faded, and joy crept in—not because he made it right, but because I let God carry the weight. What’s one relationship you can bring to God this week? Maybe it’s a text, a prayer, or a hard conversation. Joy doesn’t dodge conflict; it trusts God through it.

Joy in the Everyday

Joy isn’t just for the big moments; it’s for the daily slog. Paul found joy in prison through small acts—writing letters, praying, sharing the gospel (Philippians 1:12–14). For us, it’s seeing God in the ordinary. Maybe it’s His provision in a paycheck, His beauty in a sunrise, or His strength when you don’t snap at your kids. I started asking myself each night, “Where did I see God today?” Some days it’s profound; others, it’s just that I didn’t cuss in traffic. Both matter. Pick one daily task—mowing the lawn, working out, driving to work—and dedicate it to God. Pray, “Lord, this is for You.” It’s simple, but it invites joy into the grind.

Joy as Defiant Faith

Here’s the raw truth: choosing joy is defiance. The enemy wants you bitter, defeated, stuck. Every time you choose joy, you’re fighting back. Paul’s joy in chains was a slap in the face to despair. When I was at my lowest, I’d blast worship music in my car, singing like a fool, reminding myself God’s still good. You don’t need to feel joyful to choose it. Start today: read Philippians 4:4–9 out loud. Let it sink in. Joy is your weapon, and God’s given you the strength to use it.

Closing Prayer

Father, I’m bringing You my mess—my doubts, my pain, my frustrations. You’re bigger than all of it. Thank You for being my rock in every season. Teach me to choose joy, not by pretending life’s easy, but by trusting You. Fill me with Your peace that guards my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions

How does Paul’s context (prison, hardship) change the way you view the command to rejoice?
What’s one season of life where joy felt impossible? How might you see God’s presence in it now?
Read Philippians 4:4. What does “rejoice always” mean for you in your current circumstances?
What’s one thing you’re thankful for today, even if it’s small? How can gratitude open the door to joy?
Who in your life is challenging to love? What’s one step you can take to pray for or bless them?
How can you dedicate one daily task to God this week to find joy in the ordinary?

**Author’s Note**

This devotional was written in mid-September—long before the shutdown loomed, before the word “furlough” became my daily reality. I’m modifying it now on day 30 of the impasse, staring at my posting calendar and realizing I didn’t know how much I’d need these words until today. What started as a message for men in tough seasons has become my own survival manual.

I’m an exempted essential government worker—required to clock in every day, but with no paycheck coming. This Friday marks my first full pay cycle without a guaranteed deposit, and the uncertainty is heavy. Because I’m still working, I can’t access unemployment benefits that might soften the blow. Standing in food-bank lines is nearly impossible with a full shift, and moonlighting is off the table—I can’t offer my primary federal skill set to another employer without violating ethics rules. Bills don’t pause, the fridge still empties, and the weight of “provide for your family” feels sharper than ever.

Even as a full-time teleworker, the daily costs keep coming: food, electricity, internet, and the quiet wear on the home office setup. It’s not the gas or parking my on-site colleagues face, but the meter’s still running. Working from home has its own expenses, and they’re no small savings in the long run.

Yet here I am, preaching (and practicing) Philippians 4:4. Some mornings I read these verses through gritted teeth; other days I whisper them like a lifeline. Gratitude lists now include “still have a job to go to” and “coffee was on sale.” Choosing joy isn’t pretending the stress doesn’t exist—it’s anchoring to the God who’s never missed a day of being faithful, even when the direct deposit does.

It’s in these seasons that Jesus’ command to take up our cross and follow Him hits hardest (Matthew 16:24). The unpaid hours, the rising electric bill, the lunch I still have to buy—these are my splinters. Yet rejoicing always isn’t a suggestion; it’s the defiant yes to carrying the cross with praise on our lips. If you’re hauling your own—gas, parking, internet, or the quiet ache of an empty paycheck—let’s lock arms. We don’t rejoice because it’s easy. We rejoice because He carried the ultimate cross, and He’s walking every step of this shutdown with us.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.