Joy In The Journey

"Ask and your will receive, and your joy will be complete."

John 16:24

"Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not."

Oswald Chambers

Does God promise me happiness?

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

God does not promise temporary happiness; in fact the Bible assumes problems will come your way. But God does promise lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with you despite your problems. You can have lasting joy even if you don't have temporary happiness.

How can I become more joyful?

Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who respect the Lord, who want what he commands.

Fear God and trust in him; delight in doing his commands.

Psalm 16:8-9 I know the Lord is always with me....No wonder my heart is filled with joy.

Joy comes from God's presence with you and within you, which brings true contentment.

Galatians 5:22 But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life produces joy.

Psalm 119:2 Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him will all their hearts.

Philippians 1:25 I will continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your faith.

God has promised that when you truly seek him, you will surely find him, and when you find him, your joy is complete.

How can I be joyful in the midst of difficult circumstances?

2 Corinthians 12:10 For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.

1 Peter 4:12-13 My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. But be happy that you are sharing in Christ's sufferings so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory.

Difficult circumstances help you better understand what Christ when through for you. They make you partners with him.

Acts 5:41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.

Doing something significant for God, even though you may suffer for it, brings great joy because you know that God is working through you to accomplish something important for his Kingdom. You experience joy when you know that God is pleased with you and that your work for him will bring reward in heaven.

Is it possible to be joyful when I have nothing materially?

Matthew 6:19-21 Don't store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. But store your treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is."


Wherever your money goes, you heart will follow after it. If you spend most of your money collecting something, you become more interested and knowledgeable about what you are collecting. If you spend a lot of money helping those in need, you become interested and focused on helping the needy. And when you invest in the lives of others, you are investing in eternal treasure.

Promise from God....

The joy of the Lord is your strength! Neh. 8:10

Touchpoints of Hope - God's answers for your daily needs; Choice Books, Manassas, VA; ISBN 0-8423-4229-X