What is the source of joy?

Nehemiah 8:10Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Zephaniah 3:17“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Joy springs from God’s love, which is not dependent on circumstances or on our performance. When we realize the magnitude of God’s love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that come from problems and disappointments.

Revelation 21:4“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

For those who believe in Jesus, joy is rooted in the certainty of eternal life, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of life.

Psalm 40:16May all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

Psalm 68:3Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.

Psalm 86:4Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.

Psalm 146:5Joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.

God himself is the wellspring of true joy. The more we love him, know him, walk with him, and become like him, the greater our joy. We will find lasting joy in heaven, but we can experience great joy now by walking with God.