Joy
1. A deep enduring delight in God that surpasses pleasure in earthly things.
2. The result of treasuring God above all else and finding utmost satisfaction in God’s glory.
3. A fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)
4. The name of a church in Shirley, NY.
[ ˈjoi ] noun
What is joy?
joy is more than feeling happy—it’s a deep and lasting sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing and experiencing Jesus. Unlike happiness—which often depends on circumstances—true joy remains steady even in hardship. This kind of joy isn’t about pretending everything is fine, but about trusting and experiencing that God is good no matter what.
Where does true joy come from?
The Bible teaches that joy is found in God’s presence and in living a life shaped by Him. Psalm 16:11 says, "In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This means joy isn’t something we manufacture—it’s something we receive as we walk with Jesus. Jesus Himself said, “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). His joy isn’t just for some people or for easy times—it’s for anyone who abides in Him, trusting in His love and following His ways.
How Do We Experience Joy?
1. Knowing God Through His Word
The more we learn about who God is, the more we experience His joy. The Bible isn’t an old book—it’s God’s way of revealing His love, promises, and purpose for our lives. Reading and reflecting on Scripture helps us see beyond our struggles and into the bigger picture of what God is doing.
2. A Life of Prayer and Trust
Joy isn’t the absence of hardship—it’s the presence of peace in the midst of it. When we bring our worries, struggles, and questions to God in prayer, we find comfort in knowing He is with us. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that when we bring everything to God, His peace guards our hearts.
3. Embracing Fasting and Solitude
Fasting and solitude refine our spirits and sharpen our focus on God. These practices create space for us to step away from distractions and rely fully on Him. Jesus Himself fasted and sought solitude in His time on earth (Matthew 4:2, 6:6), showing us that these disciplines open the door to deeper joy by drawing us closer to God’s presence.
4. Gratitude in Every Season
Joy isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s about how we respond. When we choose to focus on what God has done rather than what we lack, our hearts begin to overflow with gratitude. Thankfulness shifts our perspective and reminds us of God’s faithfulness, even in difficult times.
5. Celebrating God’s Goodness
The rhythm of celebration is essential in the Christian life. By remembering God’s past faithfulness and His promises for the future, we reinforce the joy of our hope in Christ. Celebration fuels perseverance, inspiring us to press on with joy in our hearts (Psalm 145:7; Philippians 4:4).
6. Living in Community
Joy is meant to be shared. God designed us for relationships, and when we walk through life with others who encourage, challenge, and support us, our joy multiplies. Life Groups, friendships, and serving together are all ways we experience joy in community.
7. Serving and Loving Others
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). When we serve others—whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or simply being present—we reflect God’s love and experience the joy that comes from living selflessly.
8. Embracing Generosity
Generosity is a key spiritual rhythm. Giving our time, talents, and resources not only blesses others but deepens our own joy. Just as God freely gave us His Son, we reflect His heart when we give sacrificially. Generosity breaks the hold of materialism and strengthens our trust in God's provision, making our joy complete (Psalm 112:5; Matthew 10:42; Acts 4:33-35).
Joy That Lasts
The joy Jesus offers isn’t fragile. It doesn’t crumble under stress, loss, or uncertainty. Instead, it deepens as we grow in our faith and learn to rely on Him. This is the kind of joy that carried the early Christians through persecution, that sustains believers through life’s hardest moments, and that invites us to live with hope, no matter what we face. At Joy Church, we are committed to helping you experience and live out this joy. Whether you’re just starting to explore faith or have been following Jesus for years, there’s always more joy to be found in Him. Would you like to walk in that joy? We’d love to help you take that next step.