Find Strength in God’s Joy

Your strength doesn’t come from everything going right – it comes from knowing God is with you and loves you. When you feel tired or overwhelmed, His joy can carry you. God’s joy gives you strength and peace deep inside, as Nehemiah 8:10 says,

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Know the Source of True Joy

Real joy comes from being close to God. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” That’s not a little joy—it’s full, deep, lasting joy. You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect. Even King David danced with all his heart before God, even though life was hard (2 Samuel 6:14). His joy came from trusting God.

Want to feel this joy? Try starting your day with a quiet prayer, reading a Psalm out loud, or thinking about something good God has done for you. These little things help your heart rest in Him instead of worrying.

Choose Joy Daily

Joy is a choice you make—every single day. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Paul wrote that from a prison cell! He wasn’t smiling because life was easy. He was holding onto God.

Maybe today is hard. Maybe your to-do list is long and your heart feels heavy. Still, you can choose joy. You can say, “God, I trust You today.”

Here’s something simple to try: every morning, say out loud three things you’re thankful for. Gratitude lifts your heart. I knew a friend who faced cancer. Every day, she wrote down one thing she was thankful for. She said it helped her feel God close, even in pain.

Share Joy with Others

Joy grows when you give it away. Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). When you help someone, you don’t lose your joy—you grow it.

Last week, I brought homemade soup to a sick friend. She smiled and hugged me, and my heart felt full. Simple kindness lights up someone’s day—and yours, too. Ask yourself, “Who could use a kind word today?” A note, a call, a hug—it all matters.

Trust God Through Trials

Life is not always easy. Sometimes you feel like everything is falling apart. James 1:2 says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” That doesn’t mean you have to fake a smile. It means you can trust that God is still with you, even in the mess.

I remember when my car broke down at the worst time. Instead of getting angry, I stopped and prayed. “God, help me.” And I felt calm—not because the problem was fixed, but because I wasn’t alone.

What are you facing right now? Tell God. He’s not far away. He’s right here, ready to carry you.

The relation between joy and obedience

Joy follows obedience. Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments… your joy may be full” (John 15:10-11). When you walk with God and do what’s right, your heart feels lighter.

I used to gossip when I was upset. It made me feel worse. When I chose to stop and speak kindly, I felt free. Obeying God isn’t always easy, but it always leads to peace.

Is there something God’s nudging you to do today? Listen to that gentle voice. Take one small step.

Read: Stop Hiding—Shine Boldly

You’re Not Alone

God’s joy is here for you. Not just when life is good, but right now. Let His joy fill you. Talk to Him. Give thanks. Share love. Trust Him when life is hard. Obey Him even when it’s tough. Joy will grow in your heart, and it will carry you.

What will you do today to hold onto His joy?

Written by Brahm van Wyk

For more Biblical teachings, listen to Bible Perspective or read our daily devotional, The Word for Today.

The views expressed herein are those of the presenters and writers, not Radio Pulpit.