You probably know it, have even memorized it:
Such a statement begs the question: how does joy—of all things–translate into strength? Wouldn’t it be faith in the Lord that makes us strong? Turns out joy is an important facet of faith.
That phrase “of the Lord” holds the key. When we delight in the Author of joy–who he is and what he does–that’s when our spirits begin to grow strong.
To foster that kind of joy and delight:
Express Gratitude
Tonia Peckover wrote, “The feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving” [1].
Research has proven that keeping a gratitude journal works well to develop our appreciation muscles [2]. Just a few lines per day can get joy percolating in our spirits.
Another strategy: turn mindless tasks like folding laundry, loading the dishwasher, etc. into moments of thanksgiving. Go through the alphabet, perhaps, and thank God for one blessing for each letter.
You might begin with AFFECTION among family and friends, BEDTIME and that first BLISSFUL moment on the pillow after a challenging day, COFFEE—the most delectable flavor to start the morning.
For an extra challenge, you might focus on who God is. He’s ACTIVE in our lives, BENEVOLENT to us, COMPASSIONATE, and DELIGHTFUL—you get the idea. (For a sample of such an alphabet, see “God’s Goodness from A to Z,” a post from 2018.)
Meditate on God’s Word
Here’s another joy-inducing, writing-exercise:
In a journal or on a piece of paper, write your reason(s) for being distressed. Then conduct a scripture search (Online resources abound!) for specific promises and encouraging passages that address your concern.
Praise God for each one as you copy it on the page. Express expectancy for the day when each promise is fulfilled, and feel radiant joy rise in your spirit as you do.
Martin Luther advised:
It stands to reason that something much smaller, our hearts, will also change when we pick up our pens.
That’s happened for me; the same will hold true for you.
Follow God’s Ways
Countless people through the ages have thought that following their own way—striving for success, accumulating wealth, and participating in self-pleasing pursuits—would bring them joy. But such quests never deliver, because that’s not where joy is found.
Joy is found in obedience to God’s ways [3]. He made us; he knows what’s best for us. Of course, we know that. So why do many of us balk at what will bring maximum blessing?!
Anything God commands of us is so that our joy may be full.
Beth Moore [4]
Note that glorious word, full–as in brimming and bursting at the seams.
And what does fullness of joy include? Beauty and bounty.
Beautiful encounters. Beautiful endeavors. Beautiful moments.
Bountiful blessing. Bountiful fruit. Bountiful satisfaction [5].
When we yield in obedience to God’s voice,
he yields a harvest greater than we can imagine.
Denise J. Hughes [6]
And so, joy becomes strength when we delight in who God is and what God does.
Joy becomes strength as we blissfully trust in the truth of his Word.
And joy becomes strength when we gladly follow his instructions.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord God, I do want to experience your joy in my life, to delight in you so my spirit might grow stronger. Help me to make choices throughout each day that usher me into your fullness of joy!
(Psalm 112:1; 16:11)
[1] Quoted by Ann Voskamp, 1000 Gifts, 176.
[2] https://cct.biola.edu/thanks-science-gratitude/
[3] John 15:9-11
[4] Values for Life, 169
[5] Ephesians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 9:8
[6] Deeper Waters, 149
Art & photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pxhere.com (2); http://www.canva.com (3).
From the Inside Out 
Amen in Jesus Nancy!!
Thank you, Kristi Ann. Praising God with you for his gift of joy!
Thank you for all the positive messages, Nancy. In these times, joy is much needed and we can get that only from the Lord and all that He provides, and promises. I like the alphabet listing that you mentioned. I will have to try that. God Bless you.
You’re welcome, Shelley. I truly marvel that week after week God provides for me a topic to write about and then helps me flesh it out. I pray you have fun creating your alphabet listings!
These are great ideas, Nancy. Keeping track of “little moments of awesomeness” (like that first sip of coffee in the morning or a hug from a friend) just keeps infusing a steady drip of joy, and yes, happier people are healthier people.
I’m picturing your steady drip of joy like one of those water features, continually adding the pleasant music of tumbling water to the environment. So very soothing and delightful! God’s presence is infinitely more so, isn’t it, making us happier, healthier people as you’ve pointed out. Thank you, Annie, for your thoughtful comments!
I love everything about this post! I have gone through the alphabet to define attributes of God. (https://bridgetathomas.com/2021/04/06/god-is/) I will have to go through the alphabet for gratitude too! Thanks for the tip! And all the tips in the post. Great ideas! 🦋
It IS a delightful exercise–should have included a link to my own post that celebrates God’s goodness from A to Z. Will add that now. Will also visit your post soon. It’ll be fun to see what different responses God brought to your mind, and how many of our responses match! Thank you, Bridget!
And I will check out your post on God’s goodness too! Thank you for adding it in! 🤗
I went back and read your post on God’s goodness! I love it! And it’s funny, we had some of the same characteristics, but none of the same verses. This shows how vast our God is. I also loved that in that post you referenced Psalm 16:11 and in this post you referenced Nehemiah 8:10. A couple of weeks ago we had a guest pastor. One thing he mentioned (although it wasn’t the point of his sermon) was that Presence leads to Joy and Joy leads to Strength. And he referenced Psalm 16:11 for Presence leading to Joy and Nehemiah 8:10 for Joy leading to Strength!! 😁
Well done on YOUR alphabet, Bridget! I especially liked “Quencher, based on John 4:14. Praise God his quenching (the endowment of satisfaction and fulfillment) lasts a lifetime and beyond!
Such wise advice that you’ve shared, Nancy. I love your ideas for nurturing joy and how much that joy relates to strength. It’s like a shot in my arm to think about what you – and God – have said. Thank you!
I’m so glad you liked these ideas, Patty. Joy IS like a shot in the arm to lift our spirits–but without the pain!! : )
The joy of the Lord is our essential strength. We can overcome all obstacles and disappointments when our hope resides first in Jesus’ promises to give us life and give it abundantly. How your words here inspired and encouraged me today, Nancy! Blessings!
What a delight for me to be God’s agent, providing inspiration and encouragement to you–as you have done for me! I pray you’re enjoying the start of a blessed weekend, even though V. had to go home!
Thank you, Nancy. Starting the day with a gratitude list will definitely lead to joy. When I think of all of God’s rich blessings, how can I not experience joy?
Amen, Pam! His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23); his goodness is so abundant, he has to store it up (Psalm 31:19)!
Thank you for these words of wisdom, Nancy. I needed to read them this morning.
Praise God for his timing, Mary! Just as he provides peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7), he also provides impossible joy in the midst of difficulty. “When the cares of my heart are many,” proclaimed a psalmist, “your consolations cheer my soul” (94:19). YOU are living proof of this promise!
Encouraging message this morning, Nancy!!
Love the idea of going through the alphabet to list attributes of God. Joy can only be found in Him alone. ❤️
AMEN, my friend! (You have my permission to remind me of that when my joy starts to slip!)
I get that, sometimes I need the Holy Spirit to give me a righteous thump on the forehead or something for reminders!!🤦♀️
“Indeed, “a righteous thump on the forehead!” That’s exactly what I need sometimes!
good points. I do practice gratitude but find it is interesting to think about the strength in joy. Too often others see it as shallow but wow, what a source of power and healing joy can be.
Years ago, Jean, when I first started to follow your blog, you wrote a post about not wanting to miss the small blessings due to hurry or distraction. It wasn’t long after that I started my gratitude journal as a way to focus my attention on the goodness God brings to each day. That discipline does increase joy, which we know impacts spiritual strength. So thank you for YOUR part, Jean, in teaching me about the truth of Nehemiah 8:10!
In my prayer life I have recently begun to enter into His presence with thanksgiving. Thanking the Lord for His gift of salvation and all of my blessings (at the start of my prayers) brings joy and an attitude of gratitude to my heart and wellbeing and reminds me of His Power and Strength over all things evil. At the top of my list for His help: I need to work on not focusing my attention on world events. It is a distraction from every joy found in the Lord. It is also a distraction from being a light to the lost in this dark world.
You have such a gentle and humble spirit, Cheri! God WILL honor you for that (James 4:6). As troubling world events unfold, I am so thankful for God’s sovereignty, power, and wisdom over all. The days ahead may not be comfortable, but we WILL be victorious because of our faith in Jesus! I pray that those who don’t know him will recognize what he has to offer and say yes to him–soon!
James 4:6! What a wonderful and reassuring verse! Thank you for that, Nancy!
Nancy, thank you for this reminder that the joy of the Lord is our strength! What freedom in embracing this truth instead of trying to drum up our own strength. Speaking gratitude out loud often has been a key for me since my human tendency is to whine and complain. Thank You, Jesus.
Sounds like you’re putting Proverbs 18:21a into practice, Linda: “The tongue has the power of life and death.” By speaking life to yourself through gratitude–our loud, you’re undoubtedly reaping even more expansive joy, peace, and contentment!
Nancy,
What a timely reminder right now as my strength is waning….Obedience begets joy, and joy begets strength. I can’t manufacture strength, but I can work on my obedience. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you, Bev. Praise God this post came to you when of good benefit! I pray you find joy in this day as you practice gratitude and obedience.
I have always loved the fact that it is HIS Joy that gives us strength and that it has nothing to do with happiness. We can still bask in His joy when things aren’t always in our favor. I love the message Sis. Going to save it for a reblog probably around the first part of September. Thank you for this! I love that others are seeing it IS His joy that does the work! God Bless.
Thank you Roland for your encouragement. I’m honored you’d like to reblog this post!
Beautiful post and reminder, Nancy, that joy is found in obedience to God’s ways. Blessings~
Thank you, Deborah Marie. I’m so glad you found beauty here, and I praise God for his inspiration!
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Gratitude, His Word and His ways definitely bring us joy!
Amen, Dawn. You’ve got me thinking: I wonder how long a list we could make of the ways God brings us joy?! To the three you’ve mentioned we could add comfort, creation, loved ones, smiles and laughter, and food (!). That might be a worthy exercise to build up our joy muscles! Thank you, Dawn!
That would be a worthy exercise. His joy is our strength!
Indeed!