How do you cultivate joy when your life circumstances work against it? Let's be honest: 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year. At times you may have been overcome by anger, hurt, grief, and even plain old apathy. Our heart aches for those who are struggling, even as we're in pain ourselves. So where is joy in a time like this?
Throughout the Bible, God calls His children to CHOOSE joy. See, joy and happiness are not one in the same. Happiness is external and tied to our circumstances. Joy is internal - it's deeper - and directly tied to our relationship with Jesus. Through the mystery of God's presence, we can rejoice in Him even when our external circumstances leave us feeling sad or angry. To cultivate joy, we must seek to grow closer to Christ. To support you as you pursue Christ, we compiled a list of 10 Bible verses about how to cultivate joy.
As you look for encouragement in the Scriptures, we pray that meditating on these verses will feed your soul and fill your heart, spurring you on to live a life FULL of joy!
10 BIBLE VERSES ABOUT HOW TO CULTIVATE JOY
“For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” -Psalm 63:6-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:4-6
“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” -Psalm 30:4-5
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." -James 1:2-3
"He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!" -Psalm 113:9
"When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer." -Psalm 94:19
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" -Habakkuk 3:17-18
"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
“For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.” -1 Chronicles 16:26-28
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If you want more encouraging Scripture to meditate on, consider exploring the rest of our topical compilations of Bible Verses on The Liquid Blog.