The Joy of the Lord

By: Julie Maschhoff

Thursday, June 11, 2026

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

When I was young, I remember singing a bible song at church called "Down in my Heart." The opening lyrics of that song were: “I have the joy, joy, joy down in my heart (where) down in my heart, down in my heart to stay!" Children typically sing that song with gusto, but as adults, do we still have the joy of the Lord in our hearts?

Perhaps you were joyful when you met your spouse. Or maybe you were joyful when your child or grandchild was born. These are truly joyful events, but when was the last time you were filled with the joy of the Lord simply because He's God? The Joy scripture talks about isn't based on emotions; it comes from having a personal relationship with God. The joy of the Lord sustains us in all circumstances, and nothing can take it away.

The following verses reveal what God's Word says about joy.

...weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds... James 1:2

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

God promises us unending joy if we're following Jesus. Someone once said that peace is joy at rest. If that's true, then we must have peace before we'll find joy. God promises to give us His peace, but it's conditional on our surrender. The moment we surrendered our life to Christ, God sent His Holy Spirit to live inside us. He is our guide, and He helps navigate life while we're on earth.

God knew we would struggle and have trials in our lives, so He sent the Holy Spirit to help us find peace. But only God can provide the joy and peace we are describing. The peace God provides helps us be joyful in all circumstances. When we surrender our will to His, we'll be able to find joy in life's difficult moments.

Lord, thank You for the blessings You have given us, and for the joy You have promised us. Help us find joy in all our circumstances and help us share the joy You give us with others!