Joy

If you’re a cricket fan, you may have felt your blood pressure rise and fall this week watching the current series between New Zealand and the West Indies! Just when it looked like New Zealand had the game safely in hand, the match slipped away in the final over, not once, but twice! Thankfully, in the second game, they held their nerve and claimed a narrow three-run victory. What a joy that final win brought after such a rollercoaster!

Life can feel a lot like that, can’t it? Full of ups and downs,  moments of confidence, followed by sudden challenges. Yet in the midst of all these changing circumstances, the Bible reminds us that true joy is a gift from God. It’s not based on whether we “win” or “lose” in life’s match but flows from our relationship with the One who is always faithful.

Joy is more than a passing emotion, it’s a choice, a deep trust in God’s presence with us. As you read and reflect on the Scriptures below, may you experience the fullness of joy that comes from walking closely with the Lord.

There is Joy in our Salvation

David prays, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12

Jesus tells His disciples, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

There is Joy in God’s Presence

Nehemiah reminds the people, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

There is Joy in Community

When we gather for worship, share our stories, and encourage one another, God fills us with joy through the gift of fellowship.

Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4   and again,

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

May the Lord strengthen you with His joy this week, in the highs, the lows, and all the moments in between. And may we celebrate the joy God gives, not just in things like a cricket victory, but in knowing Him and belonging to one another.