Growing up, we had a pencil drawing in our living room that always caught my eye. It was a picture of Jesus, and unlike most images of Him—solemn, serious, and deep in thought—this one showed Him laughing and full of joy. It was one of my mom’s favorite pictures, and over time, it became one of mine too.
That image reminded me that Jesus wasn’t just fully God—He was also fully human. He spent 33 years on this earth, walking among us, sharing meals, and having deep conversations with His closest friends. Can you imagine Him never laughing with them? Never enjoying a moment of pure joy? It’s hard to believe. His mission was serious—eternally serious—but that doesn’t mean He didn’t experience the deep, full joy of life.
We, too, have a serious calling as followers of Christ. But we must never forget that we are also called to joy. Jesus Himself told us this in John 15:11 (ESV):
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
This means joy is not just a fleeting feeling—it’s a gift from Christ Himself. It’s something we are meant to experience fully, even in a world filled with sorrow.
Joy in the Midst of Sorrow
Life is hard. We don’t need to pretend otherwise. Jesus never did. He acknowledged the grief, pain, and suffering we would endure in this world. But He also made a promise:
“You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (John 16:20, ESV)
Jesus compared this transformation to childbirth—painful in the moment, but producing a joy so overwhelming that the suffering is soon forgotten (John 16:21). In the same way, our struggles now are temporary. One day, all pain will be swallowed up in the joy of His presence. But even before that day comes, we have access to a joy that cannot be taken from us.
This joy is not about ignoring grief or pretending everything is fine. There will be times when we mourn—especially for those who don’t know Christ. The pain of seeing people reject salvation is real, and our hearts should break for them. But for those of us in Christ, grief is never the end of the story. It is always followed by the hope and joy of knowing that we belong to Him.
Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
Joy isn’t just an emotion; it’s a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) tells us:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
If we belong to Christ, joy should be a natural result of His Spirit living in us. This doesn’t mean we are happy every moment of every day, but it does mean that even in trials, we have an underlying assurance that cannot be shaken.
Think of it like an anchor. The world’s happiness rises and falls with circumstances. But the joy of the Lord is steady, unmovable, and rooted in something far greater than the temporary ups and downs of life.
How Do We Access This Joy?
If joy is promised to us, why do so many Christians struggle to experience it? The answer often lies in how much time we spend with God. Jesus said, “Abide in me” (John 15:4). That means remaining in close, daily relationship with Him.
Here are some practical ways to cultivate joy:
- Spend time in the Word – The more we read the Bible, the more we are reminded of God’s promises.
- Pray regularly – Talking to God refocuses our minds and fills us with His peace.
- Worship with others – Corporate worship strengthens our faith and reminds us we are not alone.
- Surround yourself with joyful believers – Joy is contagious. When we spend time with others who are filled with God’s joy, it encourages us to walk in that same joy.
The world works hard to keep us distracted. News cycles are filled with fear and negativity. Society pushes an agenda that exalts humanism while dismissing God. The enemy wants to rob us of our joy because a joyless Christian is ineffective. But we don’t have to let him.
A Life That Draws Others to Christ
One of the greatest witnesses we have in today’s world is the joy we carry. People are searching for hope, and they will take notice when we remain joyful even in difficult times.
No one is drawn to a faith that looks burdensome, lifeless, and exhausting. But when our lives reflect the joy of the Lord, people will start asking, “How can you be so joyful despite everything happening around us?” That question opens the door to share the hope we have in Jesus.
So, don’t let the world steal what God has already given you. Joy is yours in Christ. Seek it daily, walk in it, and let it shine for all to see.
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Daune
Other Resources:
Is Heaven your treasure?
Joy is an Inside Job – Love Worth Finding
