True Joy

The Real Thing

Joy isn’t something we chase—it’s something we receive. And there’s a big difference between happiness and true joy. Happiness depends on what’s happening around us, but joy… joy is different. Joy is deeper. It comes from knowing the One who holds all things together.

Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” That's the kind of joy I’m talking about. Not a momentary mood or a fleeting feeling, but the kind of joy that stays, even in the middle of sorrow or confusion. It’s the joy of knowing Him.

Joy Isn’t Just a Feeling

We often misunderstand what joy really is. We think we can only have it when life is going well, when everything is smooth. But some of the most joyful people I’ve met have been those who walked through suffering and still smiled—not because of denial, but because of faith. Their joy was anchored in the truth that God never left them.

I’ve learned that true joy doesn't mean you won't cry. It means you can cry and still believe. You can be pressed, but not crushed. You can be perplexed, but not in despair. You can be persecuted, but not abandoned. You can be struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

That kind of joy comes from trusting in the Lord. It comes when you stop looking for the next blessing and start remembering the One who blessed you to begin with.

What’s Your Source?

Let me ask you—what is your source of joy? If it’s people, they’ll disappoint you. If it’s money, it’ll vanish. If it’s your job, you might lose it. But if your joy is rooted in Jesus Christ, you’ve got something unshakable.

Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” That’s not just a nice verse—it’s a truth you can live on. When you’re weak, when you’re weary, when you feel like giving up—His joy will give you strength. His joy will keep you.

But you’ve got to plug into the source. And you do that by spending time in His Word, by worshiping even when you don’t feel like it, by talking to Him, and listening for His voice.

It’s Not Found in the World

Let’s be real. The world promises joy but delivers distraction. It gives you likes, followers, entertainment—but it doesn’t satisfy. You scroll for hours, but your soul is still hungry. You go out, but you come back empty. You laugh with friends, but you cry when you’re alone.

That’s because the world can’t give you what only Jesus can. You weren’t created to survive off of substitutes. You were made for the real thing.

Jesus said in John 16:22, “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away.

We’ve Settled for Less

Too many of us have settled. We’ve made peace with being spiritually dry. We’ve become content with being “okay.” But God wants more for you. He wants your life to be marked by joy—not just once a year, not just when things go right—but every single day.

That doesn’t mean life will be easy. But it does mean that He’ll be with you in the hard times. And when you’ve got Jesus, you’ve got joy. Period.

You Can Have Joy Today

You don’t have to wait for things to get better. You don’t have to wait until the situation changes. Joy is available to you right now.

If you’ve been struggling to find it, let me encourage you—go back to Jesus. Spend time in His presence. Ask Him to restore your joy. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. Let Him remind you that you’re loved, that you’re chosen, and that He’s still got a plan for your life.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” That’s where joy is found—in His presence.

Let’s Choose Joy

Joy is not a personality trait. It’s not just for the bubbly or the extroverted. It’s a choice. A fruit of the Spirit. A gift. And it’s for you.

Today, I choose joy. Not because everything is perfect—but because He is. Not because I have it all figured out—but because I know who does. And that’s enough for me.