Rejoice Today: 5 Ways Rejoicing Helps You Feel Closer to God Instantly

Jan 3

Do you ever feel distant from God? Like no matter how much you pray or read your Bible, something still feels... off? You're not alone. But here's the good news: the Bible offers a simple, transformative path to reconnect with God right now—and it starts with rejoicing.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 13:11, "Rejoice… and the God of love and peace will be with you." This isn't just a suggestion; it's a promise. When we choose joy, God's presence floods our lives in undeniable ways.

Rejoicing isn't about ignoring hardships. It's about recognizing God's goodness in the midst of life's chaos. Joy shifts our focus from our problems to His presence. When we rejoice, we open the door for peace, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.

Let's dive into five powerful ways to rejoice and experience the closeness of God today.

1. Pause and Remember: God is Good

Life is loud. Between deadlines, notifications, and endless to-do lists, joy often gets drowned out. The solution? Pause and reflect on God's goodness.

James 1:17 reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." Tomorrow morning, before you check your phone, name three things you're grateful for. They don't have to be grand:

The sun rose today.
I have food in my kitchen.
God gave me breath.

Gratitude ignites joy. The more we acknowledge His gifts, the closer we feel to His heart.

2. Speak Gratitude Out Loud

Your words tend to shape your world. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death." Want to shift the atmosphere in your home, your car, or your heart?

Start by thanking God out loud.

When stress creeps in, pause and say:

"God, thank You for this day."
"Thank You for Your love and blessings."
"I trust that You're with me."

It may feel awkward at first, but spoken gratitude transforms your spirit. Joy begins to bloom.

3. Celebrate Others

Comparison steals joy. Scrolling through social media often feels like everyone else is winning while we're standing still. But Romans 12:15 tells us, "Rejoice with those who rejoice."

Instead of feeling left behind, celebrate someone else's victory. Text a friend and say, "I'm so excited for what God is doing in your life."

Celebration multiplies joy. As you uplift others, you'll notice joy growing within you.

4. Worship Through the Storm

Paul and Silas were locked in prison, but instead of despairing, they worshiped in the night (Acts 16:25). Worship invites God into our struggles. It reminds us that He is present, no matter what surrounds us.

The next time you're overwhelmed, turn on worship music. Sing out loud. Let the words soak into your heart. Read a Psalm. Worship shifts your focus from the storm to the Savior.

5. Choose Joy Daily

Joy isn't a one-time event. It's a daily choice. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, "Rejoice always."

Make joy part of your routine:

At lunch, thank God for a small victory.
Before bed, reflect on one way He was faithful.

The more you practice joy, the more it becomes your default. Over time, God rewires your thinking to make rejoicing a habit.

Reflection Questions

What small blessings have I overlooked today?
How can I speak gratitude out loud more often?
Who can I celebrate and encourage this week?
What worship songs help me feel God's presence?
How can I build joy into my daily routine?

Practical Ways to Rejoice This Week

Morning Challenge: Name three things you're grateful for before touching your phone.
Gratitude Walk: Go for a walk and thank God out loud for every good thing you notice.
Celebrate Wednesday: Midweek, text or call someone to celebrate their success or blessing.
Worship Friday: End your week by blasting your favorite worship playlist and singing along.

A Moment of Prayer

“God, thank You for the gift of joy. Even when life feels overwhelming, help me to pause, remember Your goodness, and rejoice. Fill my heart with gratitude. Let my words bring life and celebration to others. Draw me closer to You through worship and daily reminders of Your faithfulness. I choose joy today. Amen.”

Feeling inspired? Download my free guide on "5 Simple Ways to Feel Closer to God" by clicking here. Let's keep walking this journey together!

Josh Morgan