When you think about joy, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a fleeting feeling tied to a great day or a fun event, like a trip to Disney World. But let’s be honest, no matter how amazing the experience, the joy fades as soon as you leave. The good news is that God offers a joy that lasts, a joy that endures every season and situation. In John 15:11, Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” True joy isn’t something you can produce on your own, it’s a gift from God. But you can choose to walk in joy every day. Here’s how.
1. Find Joy in Salvation
The foundation of true joy begins with knowing that your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn (Revelation 7:10). When we truly grasp that all our sins have been forgiven and that we are secure in God’s love, joy naturally overflows. Hebrews 12:22 describes heaven as a “joyful assembly.” If joy defines the assembly in heaven, shouldn’t it also define our lives here on earth?
2. Walk in the Joy of Security
Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “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.” Our joy is rooted in the security of God’s promises. When you know that your eternity is secure and that nothing can separate you from God’s love, you can live with confidence.
3. Restore the Joy of Sanctification
Even though salvation is secure, it’s possible to lose the joy of salvation when we allow sin to creep into our lives. Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” Sanctification is an ongoing process, but when we surrender to God’s work in us, joy is the result.
4. Experience the Joy of Soul-Winning
Luke 15:7 says, “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” There’s no joy like leading someone to Christ. When you invest in someone’s eternity, you experience the deep joy that comes from fulfilling God’s mission.
5. Serve the Lord with Gladness
Philippians 2:2 says, “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Service motivated by love brings incredible joy. JOY can be remembered as putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.
“I cannot be happy unless I am doing something for God.” – Charles Spurgeon
6. Rejoice in Suffering
James 1:2 challenges us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Hebrews 12:2 shows us that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” Even in our hardest seasons, we can trust that God is working for our good. Psalm 30:5 promises, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
7. Celebrate the Joy of Singing and Surrender
Psalm 100:1-2 encourages us to “Shout for joy to the Lord… Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” Singing praises to God lifts our spirits and reminds us of His faithfulness. Joy is also found in surrender. Galatians 2:20 reminds us that joy flows when we live for Christ instead of ourselves.
Choose Joy Today
Joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling, it’s a way of living, a fruit of the Spirit that flows from a relationship with Jesus. Whether you’re experiencing the joy of salvation, security, service, or even suffering, remember that God’s joy is complete, abundant, and available to you.Plan your visit to Liberty Live Church at libertylive.church/visit or fill out our connect card at libertylive.church/connect.
Works Consulted:
Galatians by MacArthur
Galatians by Wiersbe
Not I but Christ by Olford
Spirit Fruit by Vines
Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit by George
Living Beyond Yourself by Moore
Galatians Truth for Life
