There are moments in life that stay with us forever. A wedding day. The birth of a child. Milestones that become etched into our memories because they are filled with joy.
When I got married 45 years ago, I was a young woman, excited, nervous, and certain I was marrying the love of my life. As I walked down the aisle, my bouquet visibly shook in my hands. My father cried out loud when the pastor asked if anyone objected to the marriage. The flower girl had an accident on stage because she refused to leave for the washroom. The reception was full of laughter and celebration. Then, just thirty minutes into our honeymoon, we had our first married argument because we had left all our money behind on the mantel at his parents’ house!
Despite the mishaps, it was a day marked by joy. Joy usually comes easy for me. I jokingly say, it’s my best fruit, patience not so much.
If you are listening to the news, you probably feel like the world is tumultuous. I used to wake up every morning and say “good morning” to my husband. Now I ask, “is the world still in one piece?” Grocery and gas prices are high, trade disputes, economic uncertainty, AI impacting our world in ways we still don’t fully understand and sadly there are wars that seem to have no end in sight. The world around us is noisy, uncertain, and often overwhelming. The headlines are filled with conflict, division, and anxiety. Yet perhaps that is exactly why we need to talk about joy.
Because if our joy depends on circumstances, we will constantly be disappointed. But Scripture points us to a joy that is deeper, stronger, and more lasting than anything this world can offer.
1. Jesus Is the Joy of the World
When the angel appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ, he declared:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
Notice that the message wasn’t simply good news. It was good news that would produce great joy for all people.
The birth of Jesus changed human history. God Himself stepped into our broken world as a baby in a manger. He came to rescue us from sin, restore us to relationship with the Father, and offer us the gift of eternal life.
Even before Jesus was born, God announced that joy was coming. When the angel told Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist, he said:
“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.” (Luke 1:14)
Why would people rejoice over John? Because he would prepare the way for Jesus. The joy of Jesus coming was so significant that even His messenger brought joy.
And that joy is available to everyone.
Jesus came for the successful and the struggling. For the respected and the rejected. For every nation, every culture, every age, and every background.
I remember meeting a woman from Thailand who worked in Ottawa’s sex industry. After months of conversation, she quietly told me she might visit our church someday. A few days later, after a Sunday service, I found her at the altar. With tears in her eyes, she threw her arms around me and said, “I gave my life to Jesus today.” That decision brought her unspeakable joy.
No program, relationship, achievement, or possession could heal her deepest wounds. Only Jesus could. He was the treasure she had been looking for her whole life.
The greatest joy available to humanity is knowing the Savior who loves us, forgives us, restores us, and gives our lives purpose. From Genesis to Revelation, the entire Bible points to Him. He was always God’s plan, always God’s promise, and always God’s answer.
Our joy is not found in a season, a circumstance, or a feeling.
Our joy is found in Jesus. He is the joy of the world.
2. The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength
One of the most powerful statements about joy is found in Nehemiah 8:10:
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The people of Israel had returned from exile and were hearing God’s Word read aloud for the first time in many years. As they listened, they were overcome with emotion. They wept because they recognized their sin and their need for God.
But then Nehemiah and Ezra gave them a surprising command:
“Don’t mourn. Don’t stay in your sorrow. Rejoice.”
Why?
Because repentance was never meant to leave them defeated. God wanted them to experience restoration. There is a time for conviction and repentance, but believers are not called to live in perpetual sorrow. God forgives. God restores. God renews.
The evidence of salvation is not endless guilt it’s joy.
Many people today are carrying heavy burdens. Some are facing uncertainty, grief, financial pressure, or difficult circumstances. Yet God’s promise remains the same. Joy isn’t the absence of trouble. Joy is the presence of God in the middle of trouble.
Romans 14:17 reminds us:
“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Joy isn’t optional for believers. It is part of the Kingdom of God. When we trust God’s goodness despite our circumstances, joy becomes strength. It gives us endurance, hope, and courage to keep moving forward.
As Psalm 30:5 reminds us:
“Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
The joy of the Lord is still our strength today.
3. In His Presence Is Fullness of Joy
Psalm 16:11 declares:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Notice the word fullness. God doesn’t offer a little joy or temporary happiness. He offers fullness of joy. And where is that joy found?
In His presence.
So many people spend their lives chasing joy through success, possessions, relationships, entertainment, or achievements. Yet none of these things can fully satisfy the human heart.
Only God can.
When we draw near to Jesus in prayer, worship, and fellowship, something supernatural happens. Anxiety begins to lose its grip. Burdens become lighter. Peace replaces fear.
We see this beautifully illustrated in Luke 7 when a sinful woman entered a Pharisee’s house and fell at Jesus’ feet. While others criticized and judged, she worshipped. She poured out expensive perfume, wept over His feet, and expressed her love without reservation.
Why?
Because she had encountered forgiveness.
She had encountered grace.
She had encountered Jesus.
I’ve witnessed this countless times over the years. I’ve sat beside people attending a church service for the very first time and noticed tears quietly streaming down their cheeks. Often, when they realized I had noticed, they would ask, “Why am I crying?” or say, “I don’t even know why I’m crying.”
I would gently smile and reply, “You’re experiencing the presence of God. When His love touches our hearts, it can be overwhelming. Isn’t that amazing?”
In those moments, something deeper than emotion is taking place. The walls we’ve built around our hearts begin to soften. The burdens we’ve carried for so long start to lift. God’s presence has a way of reaching places within us that words cannot touch.
Time and again, I’ve seen people encounter Jesus and leave changed not because of a sermon, a song, or a church service, but because they experienced the reality of His love.
The invitation for us today is the same. Step into His presence. Whether in church, at home, in your car, or during a walk, make space to meet with God. Don’t let routine, distraction, or fear rob you of the joy He wants to give you.
There is a deep contentment that comes from sitting at the feet of Jesus, a contentment that can only be found in His presence. In His presence there is fullness of joy.
Choosing Joy in a World of Chaos
The world may continue to be uncertain. Circumstances will change. Challenges will come. But the source of our joy never changes.
Jesus is still the Joy of the World.
The joy of the Lord is still our strength.
And in His presence there is still fullness of joy.
So choose joy today, not because life is perfect, but because Jesus is present.
He came from heaven to earth, lived among us, died on the cross, and rose again so that we could experience real, lasting, eternal joy.
Leave a Reply