7 of the Best Ways to Know the Joy of Jesus

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It’s the last month of The Faith Project. I can hardly believe it.

We’ve taken a close look at Freedom in Christ, Love, Wisdom, Prayer, Humility, Patience, Stillness, Goodness, Peace, Worship, and Gratitude. Let’s end the year with Joy.

Joy that goes deep into the heart and soul dwelling in the presence of God Himself.

Here are a few definitions I found about deep soul-dwelling joy.

“Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world… [Joy] is not an idea. It is not a conviction. It is not a persuasion or a decision. It is a feeling.” ~John Piper

“Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence, and hope. It is something or someone that provides a source of happiness. It appears 88 times in the Old Testament in 22 books; 57 times in the New Testament in 18 books.” (Theopedia)

“Faith-filled joy = the happy state that results from knowing and serving God, joy is the fruit of a right relation with God, not something people can create by their own efforts.” (Holman Bible Dictionary)

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” ~Kay Warren

Jesus said…

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11

So, once again this month, let’s begin by looking up . . . straight to the source of our joy—Jesus!

7 of the Best Ways to Know the Joy of Jesus

1. God’s Gift

Trust that through Jesus, God has done for you what you can’t do for yourself.

It is impossible to have peace with God without Jesus. Faith and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior sacrificed for forgiveness and life heals and restores a broken relationship with God. This amazing gift is joy today that lasts forever.

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1

2. God’s Forgiveness

Give God your guilt and through Jesus, receive His forgiveness

Lay your faults and flaws at the foot of the cross. Nothing is too great or small. Know that through Jesus you are forgiven and free of guilt and shame. That’s a reason for everyday joy.

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Psalm 32:1–2

3. God’s Love

Right now, through Jesus remember how much God loves you. 

God loves you. He has proclaimed both in Word and action. Nothing you have done or do will ever change His perfect overwhelming love for you. Hold this truth that defeats the enemy’s lies close to your heart.

Satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Psalm 90:14

4. God’s Word

The Bible is filled with the promise of hope through Jesus. 

God’s Word is full of joy-giving promises. Promises of all you and I have through Jesus. Read it, carry it with you, and memorize it. It is able to defeat negative joy-robbing thoughts.

 You spoke to me, and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. Jeremiah 15:16

5. God’s Provision

Refuse to worry, through Jesus you have everything you need. 

It’s a simple truth— worry blocks joy. Worry is the opposite of faith and denies total dependence on the One who knows and loves us best. You and I can trust His loving care.

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:18–19

6. God’s Plans and Purposes

Refuse to compare yourself with anyone else. 

There will always be someone who is prettier, wealthier, smarter, and more successful. The opposite is also true. Comparisons lead to pride and envy . . . both are barriers to joy.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:4–5

7. God’s Spirit

Reject “Stinkin’ Thinkin'” – don’t let self-defeating thoughts rob your joy. 

You can’t control what pops into your head, but you can decide how long you will allow them to take up residence. Choose to quickly reject worry, envy, self-pity, anger, and unforgiveness. Replace every negative thought with God’s excellent and praiseworthy truth.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

I’m so excited about this month.

Settling in and preparing to celebrate the birth of the One who is our JOY!

I’m memorizing this words and holding them close throughout the days ahead.

Joy is who we are because of who Jesus is!

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