“Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
So much of our unhappiness comes through an unhealthy self-focus. Truth be told, none of us are exactly where we want to be. There’s always something more that we want; or some missing piece that we’re still looking for. Maintaining our joy in the Lord is the only remedy for worldly sorrow.
Happiness is conditioned by circumstance. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit dependent on a life in God’s presence. “…In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). Reasons for unhappiness can always be found; but for God’s saint there is always a basis for joy. Whatever else is not in our life; He is. And because of this He would have us “rejoice evermore.”
Self-pity is debilitating. It is a prison with mirrors on every side. Each angle of our life is depressing. Getting out of the prison of self-pity requires that we get rid of obsessive self-reflection. Replace the mirrors with scripture that speaks of God and His presence in the life of His own. Remind yourself of His wonderful goodness and His exquisite care for you. Banish sorrow, and welcome joy, as the focus shifts from you to Him.