This post has been updated, May 11, 2026.
I write this, the past month has really tested my joy. I have had pneumonia, or more like walking pneumonia. Not feeling well but able to get around most of the time. My energy level is low, and my attitude can only be sustained by God’s grace.
We all need to fill up our joy occasionally. Where does it come from? Let’s see what David has to say.
Psalm 16:11 NIV “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.“
David tells us how the Lord’s presence has blessed him. He has guided him, filled him with joy, and with eternal pleasures. Are you enjoying the benefits of His presence?
When we feel the pressures of life on earth and are overwhelmed with dismal thoughts, we have the advantage of going to God and experiencing His joy.
Here are Bible verses to help us experience God’s joy.
- When Do We Rejoice? – Philippians 4:4 NIV
- Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
- Joy in Suffering – James 1:2-4 NIV
- Read God’s Word Daily – Jeremiah 15:16 NIV
- Begin with This Verse – Psalm 118:24 NIV
- Joyful Heart or Crushed Spirit? – Proverbs 17:22 ESV
- Conclusion
When Do We Rejoice?
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.”
This is part of Paul’s final lesson to the Philippians. The first point is about joy, you are to rejoice how often? Always. That’s a tall order, but the more you turn to the Lord for His joy, the sooner you can experience it in every part of your life.
God’s joy influences your attitude. Your gentleness will become more natural, anxiety will be taken care of in prayer and a peace will envelope you in love.
How much nicer is joy than facing trials without it. God wants us to experience His joy.
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Everyone wants to experience the fruit of the Spirit. These are blessings from God to help us live the life He wants for us.
Of course, they come from the Holy Spirit, something we cannot do without Him. The key to having joy and other fruit of the Spirit is doing God’ will.
So when we allow God’s joy to overcome our anxieties, fears, and grief, we are abiding in Him. This is our daily goal as Christians.
Joy in Suffering
James 1:2-4 NIV “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
During our daily lives, you can encounter many kinds of trials and irritations. Someone says something bad about you, not the end of the world, but it’s hurtful. How is that good?
It’s not, but the Lord can use it in your life to show you how to handle it. Go to the Lord, tell Him about it, and ask Him what to do. He will help you. This is how you can find joy even in trials. He will replace the hurt with His joy.
Read God’s Word Daily
Jeremiah 15:16 NIV “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.”
Want to have God’s joy every day? Read His Word. Do more than read words, David says, “He ate them:”
What does that mean? He meditated on it, maybe even memorized it. It became a part of his heart.
God wants you to know His word. When it’s part of you and you need it, you have it. This gave David great joy daily in His life and you can have it too.
Begin with This Verse
Psalm 118:24 NIV “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
The Psalmist is giving God credit for the day, recognizing and proclaiming God’s sovereignty.
Just the fact God gives us each day of our life, should give us joy. His days are beyond the norm and that increases our joy.
This week, try to read or recite this verse every morning. Let it become your habit. God’s Word is so powerful that it will change your attitude.
When moments of irritation try to take over, recite this verse. It works, I know.
Joyful Heart or Crushed Spirit?
Proverbs 17:22 NIV “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
David knew about a crushed spirit. Dry bones represent lifelessness, being torn apart, suffering without any nourishment for the soul.
Ever felt that way? We all have when our hearts are full of pain.
Here’s the choice. God’s joy or pain that never leaves.
When you find yourself immersed in grief or anxiety, pick up God’s Word for relief. Give God your pain.
Conclusion
Psalm 95:1 NIV “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”
Yes, I know. When you don’t feel well or down, it’s hard to have joy. Our idea of joy is more like a happy feeling. God’s joy is about finding satisfaction in Him and not in our circumstances. When we depend on Him, we are filled with peace that can get us through the circumstances.
One of the best ways for God’s joy to enter our hearts is praising Him for who He is. He is our solid foundation and we can count on Him every day.
Here is what you can do to have God’s joy in every day life:
- God’s gift of salvation– where your joy begins.
- God’s presence- where your joy stays. Remember to enter His presence every day in prayer.
- Rejoice every day and in everything.
- Joy is a fruit of the Spirit to help you walk in God’s way.
- When you are suffering, you can have joy.
- Read God’s Word every day.
- Begin each day with Psalm 118:24.
- Choose God’s joy.
- Praise God every day.
Take God’s joy to heart. He loves you.
I would love to hear your comments.
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