God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)
When we don’t rejoice, we are basically giving God a vote of no confidence. Like an unbeliever, we are concerned only for our temporary happiness or happiness in a way that is contrary to His will.
Since the Scriptures tell us in several places that the Christian life is a life lived by faith (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 2:20), some may feel that personal resolve and strenuous effort have no place. While no one should neglect or minimize the necessity of faith as it relates to Christian sanctification, no one should forget that Christian faith is not passive. Christian faith works itself out through personal resolve, self-discipline, and effort.