Joy can feel elusive when life is hard or exhausting. But biblical joy isn't about fleeting happiness. It's far more powerful and steadier. True joy is rooted in God, who never falters. It's knowing that whatever happens, He continues to be good. Joy is a source of spiritual power. Even in sorrow, you can find it in the middle. Here are five ways to refocus on joy so you can rekindle your sense of happiness in God's presence.
Joy starts with a request. Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” If joy has faded, begin with prayer. Tell God you miss it. Ask Him to renew it. You don’t have to fake it, He delights in giving it.
Joy isn’t always loud. It can show up in a morning coffee, a quiet laugh, a kind text, a sunset. Pause and savor these gifts. The more you slow down to notice them, the more joy you’ll find.
Your phone might be feeding you stress, bad news, or endless comparison. The Holy Focus app helps you clear that digital fog and replace it with joy-filled truth, Scripture, gratitude prompts, and quiet space for God to speak.
Jealousy is a joy thief. When someone else wins, thank God with them. Celebrate freely. Joy grows when we practice contentment and choose encouragement over envy.
There was a time when I couldn’t remember the last time I felt joyful. I thought something was wrong with me spiritually. But eventually, God reminded me that joy isn’t something I have to force; it’s something I receive. Slowly, through gratitude, Scripture, and worship, joy returned. That journey shaped how I built Holy Focus, to help people reconnect with the joy they thought they’d lost.
Most of us know Joy from that kids' movie. It was an emotion. And I forgot how much joy is actually a spiritual discipline. I was reminded of that here. I don't have to wait for things to get easier before I choose happiness. It was bizarre, but I loved the idea that joy can coexist with stress or grief. I thought one had to be gone for the other to be present. Thank you for this deep and refreshing encouragement.
— Finnley
Joy isn’t just something you feel, it’s something you sing. Play worship music when your spirit feels heavy. Let truth reset your mindset. Praising God shifts your heart from despair to delight.
Joy is a gift from God, no matter where you are in your journey. The more you focus on God, the more joy takes root in your soul. It’s something steady and not fragile like worldly joy. Joy can still bloom in grief and other negative emotions you may be having. When you notice God’s goodness in everything, you’ll start to feel lighter and stronger. Let the joy of the Lord carry you wherever you go.
One Response
Most of us know Joy from that kids’ movie. It was an emotion. And I forgot how much joy is actually a spiritual discipline. I was reminded of that here. I don’t have to wait for things to get easier before I choose happiness. It was bizarre, but I loved the idea that joy can coexist with stress or grief. I thought one had to be gone for the other to be present. Thank you for this deep and refreshing encouragement.