May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Devotion

Happiness and joy are often used interchangeably, but there’s a key difference. Happiness often depends on our circumstances. When life is going well, we feel happy. But when things become difficult, that happiness can quickly fade. The Bible, however, speaks about joy in a different way, one that is deeper and more lasting than a temporary feeling. The truth is that joy does not always come easily or naturally. Life brings challenges, struggles, and seasons where joy can feel distant. Yet, Scripture reminds us that true joy is not something that depends on our circumstances.

For a long time, the word joy has meant a lot to me. People often describe joy as happiness or positivity, but biblical joy is deeper than that. True joy comes from the Lord. The Bible reminds us that God is the only one who can give us lasting joy. We often try to fill our lives with things that promise satisfaction, such as success, attention, relationships, or possessions, but none of those things can truly fill the space in our hearts that was made for God. Only he can do that.

In The Other Half of Church, Jim Wilder describes joy in a simple but powerful way, “Joy is the feeling that someone is glad to be with me.” When we think about our relationship with God, that truth becomes incredibly meaningful. The Creator of the universe delights in his people. Our joy begins with the reality that we are known and loved by him. When we live in that truth and remember that God is glad to be with us, our joy becomes deeper than circumstances. It becomes something steady that flows from our relationship with him.

Scripture tells us in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse reminds us that joy is not something we manufacture on our own. It comes from trusting God and allowing his Spirit to work in us.

One helpful way to remember how to live out joy is through the letters in the word JOY—Jesus first. Others second. Yourself third. When our priorities are in that order, our perspective begins to shift. Instead of focusing only on ourselves or our circumstances, we begin to see life through the lens of Christ.

Choosing joy doesn’t mean pretending life is always easy or ignoring struggles. It means deciding, even in difficult moments, to trust that God is at work. It means remembering that our hope is not in temporary situations, but in the unchanging character of God.

When we trust God and live for him, our joy becomes a light to others. People notice when someone has peace and hope that doesn’t depend on circumstances. That kind of joy points back to Christ.

Joy is not just a feeling, instead it is a daily choice. As we put Jesus first, care for others, and trust God with our lives, we begin to experience the true joy that only he can give.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the chance to experience your true joy each and every day. Help us remember to always turn to you no matter the circumstance we are in, to rely on you and put you first through it all because we trust you with our lives. Allow us to be lights of hope, joy, and peace to all those we may encounter. Amen

Josie Strunk
Production Coordinator, Central Ministry Support - Kids

Resources:

Listen to Joy of the Lord by Maverick City Music.

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