Devotional for Joy

Joy is more than happiness. Non-believers describe it as elation, jubilation, glee, triumph, bliss, ecstasy, rapture, exhilaration.

But biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction because you have faith and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We can experience great joy daily when we place our faith in Jesus and understand that by His grace alone, we are saved. After that we have to choose to see the blessings and the miraculous all around us. We have to choose to realize the gift of everyday no matter our current circumstances.

Joy is not the same as pretending everything is fine. The Bible never asks us to fake a smile. Some of the people who wrote about joy the most were in prison, persecuted, mourning, or physically suffering. True joy comes from knowing God is with us and will make all things right—even when tears are still falling.

My friends, if you can look at the world through the lens of thanksgiving, you will have joy!

In marriage, joy looks like:

Choosing to thank God for your spouse even on the hard days
Laughing together at little things instead of letting tension win
Celebrating small wins instead of focusing only on what’s broken
Praying together with gratitude—even when you don’t feel like it
Remembering that your home is a place where the Holy Spirit lives, so joy is always invited in

Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your Bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Isaiah 35:1-2

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

1 Peter 1:8-9

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.

James 1:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

1 Peter 4:12-13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

John 15:10-11

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Here's a short prayer if you're struggling to find the words:

Father, some days I don’t feel joyful at all. The weight feels heavy and the blessings feel hidden. Thank You that Your joy doesn’t depend on my circumstances or my feelings. Thank You that Jesus sings over me even when I’m crying. Open my eyes today to one thing—big or small—that shows me You are good and You are here. Fill our home with Your joy that is stronger than our sorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Try one of these today:

Tell your spouse or a family member one specific thing you’re thankful for about them (text it if speaking feels hard).
Play one song that has lifted your spirit in the past and sing or hum along—even if you don’t feel it yet.
Write down three things (even tiny ones) that went right today or that you’re glad still exist.

I sincerely pray that these verses meet you where you are today and help you to find the Joy in the world around you!

God Bless,

Melissa