Rediscovering the Joy of the Lord

Have you ever asked yourself how you could possibly find the joy of the Lord again? When you first came to Christ, joy seemed to overflow so naturally. But somewhere along the way, disappointment, trials, or hurt from others—sometimes even from those within the church—clouded that joy. Instead of peace, you found pain. Instead of delight, you found discouragement.

If that resonates with you, let me encourage you with this truth: the joy of the Lord is not something you can lose. But it is something you must choose to cultivate.

The Source of True Joy

When our focus is on the hurt, it’s nearly impossible to see joy. But when our focus is on Jesus, we discover that His very nature is joy. Joy is not a personality trait or an emotional high—it’s the evidence of faith rooted in Christ.

Joy flows from trusting Jesus with the things we can’t control. It’s the confidence that He sees, He knows, and He will act in His timing. Even in seasons of heartbreak, His Spirit reminds us that He has not left us. The joy of Jesus is still there because He lives within us.

Joy Is Strength

My husband often reminds me that everything in the Christian life boils down to faith. That’s especially true of joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When your circumstances feel overwhelming and happiness seems out of reach, lean into the strength that only God provides. This strength may not erase the pain, but it shields your heart from bitterness.

Psalm 28:7 puts it beautifully: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth.”

That shield of joy doesn’t silence the evil or erase the wrong done against us, but it does guard us from being consumed by it.

Learning to Trust God with the Hurt

There was a time in my life when anger tried to steal every ounce of joy from me. Maybe you’ve felt it too—especially if you or someone you love has walked through abuse or betrayal. The emotions can feel endless, as if healing will never come.

But here’s the truth: we cannot hold God accountable for what people do. He is not the author of sin or cruelty. Instead, He promises to redeem even the hardest trials. Ephesians 3:13 reminds us that the very tribulations meant to crush us can, in His hands, become the very things that strengthen and beautify us.

Joy Through the Cross

One of the greatest anchors of joy is remembering what Jesus accomplished at the cross. Ephesians 2:16 says Christ “slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you.” Through His sacrifice, victory is already ours. Because of the cross, peace and joy are not temporary emotions—they are eternal gifts.

This means that even in the valley, we can rest in the assurance that we belong to Him, and He has overcome the world.

What Joy Really Looks Like

Biblical joy isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It isn’t about forcing a smile. It’s about being rooted in the unshakeable love of Christ.

Ephesians 3:17–19 explains that knowing His love fills us with the fullness of God. That fullness steadies us when life feels chaotic, comforts us when we feel abandoned, and gives us the courage to believe that God can still do the impossible.

This is why joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. It’s not manufactured—it’s evidence that Christ is alive in us.

Joy Through Fellowship and Service

Joy isn’t just personal—it’s communal. Philippians 1:4–5 points us to the fellowship of believers who found joy in serving together for the Gospel. There’s a unique kind of strength that comes when we link arms with other Christians to advance God’s kingdom.

Serving through your church or community not only blesses others, it also restores joy in your own heart. Scripture even tells us that God pours out His grace when we give of ourselves (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Joy That Cannot Be Shaken

Happiness comes and goes with circumstances. But joy? Joy is anchored in Christ. It cannot be taken by hurtful people, shifting seasons, or heavy trials.

If you feel like your joy has faded, don’t despair. Ask God to renew it. Ask Him to remind you of His love, to guard your heart with His peace, and to fill you with strength for today.

Time itself doesn’t heal wounds—but Jesus does. When you know God is for you, your joy can be restored and your heart made whole again.

Final Encouragement

The joy of the Lord is not about living a pain-free life. It’s about finding strength, peace, and hope in the presence of Jesus Christ, no matter what life brings.

So let me ask you: where is your focus today—on the hurt, or on Him? If it’s been hard to rejoice, turn your eyes back to Jesus. The joy of the Lord is yours, and it’s a well that never runs dry.