Joy is a gift from God that makes life better. Here are 10 ways you can get it.

Psalm 4:7  Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

Joy seems to come naturally to some.  For others, like me, it seems harder to come by. I carry a lot of burdens. I have plenty of my own and I get the privilege to help others bear their burdens as well. If I’m not careful, I can live without joy – sometimes even forgetting that it is an option. Living without joy is not good. Decide to live a joyful life.

Joy is gladness from God.

It is different than happiness.  Happiness is caused by good things happening to you.  Joy is gladness from God regardless of your circumstances.

Happiness is fleeting and uncontrollable.  Joy is lasting and available.

If someone gives you $100 that makes you happy. If you lose $100 that makes you sad. Joy allows you to be glad regardless.

Have you ever seen a Christian go through a terrible trial who hasn’t lost their sweetness and their smile? That’s joy.

[shareable]Joy is like oxygen to a burdened soul. [/shareable]

Joy comes from God and it is wonderful! Joy is better than an increase in wealth and worldly goods.  Joy is better than any earthly pleasure.

The world cannot give you joy. It can only offer fleeting pleasure at a high cost. Most people in this world live miserable lives punctuated by moments of sinful pleasure that lead to more misery.  How sad!

God’s joy is available. He wants you to have it!

God’s joy is sustainable. You can maintain joy in any situation!

Here’s the big question – why aren’t more Christians experiencing joy?

Be honest with yourself. Are you joyful right now or is your disposition dependent upon your circumstances?

[shareable] To have joy, you must know that it is available and you must know where to get it.[/shareable]

If you want water, you must find a faucet or well.  Likewise, you must get joy from where God gives it.  Get to the spout where the joy comes out!  

Compare a source of joy to a water faucet.  If you know where to get water, you can fill up any time. Some people don’t know where to get joy so they only experience it when someone or something brings it to them. It is far better if you learn to get joy for yourself. Once you know where to find joy, you can have it any time you choose!

Let’s look at ten sources of joy found in the Scriptures.

1. Scripture

Nehemiah 8:12  And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Jeremiah 15:16  Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.

God’s Word is a double-edged sword. It’s rebukes and warnings bring conviction and concern.  On the other hand, it’s promises and encouragement cause healing and joy.

Notice that the joy of God’s Word is not only in the reading but in the understanding. Make Bible study a daily practice. Attend a Bible preaching Church that expounds the Word applying it to your life. The nuggets of wisdom God gives you will bring joy!

2. Salvation

What a joy to know that you are forgiven and accepted by God!

When you were saved, God took care of the biggest problem you will ever face.  Personal salvation is a well of joy that you can visit any time. Remember how lost you were. Recall that you should go to hell, but Heaven will be your home. Rejoice in your salvation daily!

Luke 2:10–11  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Habakkuk 3:18  Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

3. Supplication

John 16:24  Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Answered prayer brings joy knowing that God heard and answered your request.

Psalm 16:11  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Spending time in God’s presence through prayer calms the heart with peace and cheers the soul with joy.  Stop your world long enough to pray every day for a healthy amount of time.

4. Spirit

Joy is a by-product of allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you. Submit to Him today. He will work in you and through you in marvelous ways.

Romans 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

5. Surrender

Rebellion against God generates discord and frustration. Submission to God produces peace and joy. Are you surrendered to Him right now? Is there any unconfessed sin stealing your joy?

Psalm 51:8  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Psalm 51:12  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

6. Society

Spending time with godly people induces joy. Church attendance is not optional for the Christian. God intends for you to surround yourself with others who are seeking Him.

Ministry must include being a friend to publicans and sinners, but they should not be your companions. If you want to be godly and joyful, spend your free time with godly and joyful people.

2 Timothy 1:4  Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

2 John 12  Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

Romans 15:32  That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

  7. Song

Music is one of the most powerful things on the planet. It can change the mood of a room, the thoughts of a mind, or the disposition of a heart. Music will draw you closer to God or away from Him.

People sing when they are happy. Likewise singing songs of praise will bring joy to a downtrodden soul. Listen to songs, hymns, and spiritual songs often. They are a wonderful source of joy.

Psalm 67:4  O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: For thou shalt judge the people righteously, And govern the nations upon earth. Selah. People sing when they are glad and a joyful song can cheer the sad!

Psalm 89:15  Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.

Psalm 98:4  Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: Make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

8. Speech

Proverbs 15:23  A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: And a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

It is well known that kind and encouraging words from others can cheer the heart.  But did you know that you can experience joy any time you choose by speaking appropriately to others? Be an encourager of others to give yourself some joy.

Negative speech drains you of joy. Don’t be cynical and critical. Positive speaking is good for you and those who hear you.

9. Service

Have you ever spent your time and energy to help someone else and you received the blessing?  The joy of Christian service is always available.

There is great joy found in sharing Gospel through soul winning.

Psalm 126:5–6  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Luke 15:7  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

There is joy in watching those you have served follow God.

Philippians 4:1  Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

3 John 4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

There will be eternal joy as our Lord rewards us for serving Him.

Matthew 25:23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

When you are feeling down or have lost your joy, find someone to help in Jesus’ name.

10. Second Coming

The expectation of Christ’s coming can inject joy into any situation. Jesus is coming, my friend.  What a day that will be!

The second coming is a good litmus test for where your affections lie. You are probably too caught up in the affairs of this life if you are not excited about the prospect of Christ’s return. Live this life to the fullest, but don’t give it the affection or attention that belongs to God.

We have many things yet to accomplish here on Earth, but we should anticipate Heaven with joy.

1 Peter 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

[shareable]Living without joy is not good. Decide to live a joyful life.[/shareable]

Joy is available to you today!

It is an interesting observation that several items on this list are things that many Christians say they “don’t have time for.” It’s far better to take the time to have God’s joy than to rush through life without it.

If you feel like you have “tried” some of these today and they didn’t work, then keep going down the list. It is impossible for you to go sincerely to all of these wells of joy and not be filled.

Get started today!

Do you have anything to add to the list? Leave it in the comments below.

Which of these sources of joy will you focus on today?