Joy Bomb: A 8-Day Devotional by Tauren Wellsنموونە

Day 1

You ever feel like joy is just slipping through your fingers? Like, no matter what you do, it always seems tied to something that can change in an instant? That’s because, too often, we anchor our joy to things that just don’t last.

Think about it—if your joy comes from getting that promotion at work, what happens when someone else gets the job instead? Instant disappointment. If your joy is wrapped up in a relationship, what do you do if that person walks away? Suddenly, it feels like your happiness left with them. Or maybe you’ve tied your joy to big achievements, but when you fall short, that joy crashes and burns with your unmet expectations.

But here’s the thing—when our joy is connected to its true, unshakable source, it doesn’t have to be temporary. When we stay rooted in God, joy doesn’t just come and go with life’s ups and downs. It becomes a constant, flowing stream of strength that carries us through every season and every storm.

The secret? Joy in Jesus isn’t fragile. It’s untouchable. When our joy is found in Him, the enemy can’t take it because the enemy would have to go through Jesus first! That’s why staying connected to Him is everything. When His joy fills you up, you’re equipped with a supernatural strength that helps you handle whatever life throws your way—right now and in the future.

I was reminded of this recently while reading the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. It ends on a pretty heavy note—the word “curse” (Malachi 4:6). The Israelites had been given God’s law, but they just couldn’t live up to it. Over and over, they fell short, showing just how impossible it was for humans to meet God’s perfect standard on their own.

But then, Jesus shows up. And the first words of His first recorded sermon?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

Did you catch that? Where the Old Testament ended with “curse,” Jesus started with “blessed.” It wasn’t a coincidence—it was a divine mic drop moment. He was announcing that things were about to change. Instead of being stuck in a life defined by failure and condemnation, Jesus was offering something completely new: hope, renewal, and grace.

And here’s the really cool part—the word “blessed” in the original language actually means “happy.” Jesus used that word eight times in His sermon to drive home this truth: real happiness doesn’t come from perfect circumstances. It comes from being in right relationship with God.

Jesus wasn’t just offering a feel-good moment; He was laying out a way of life—a life of joy that doesn’t break under pressure, a happiness that isn’t at the mercy of circumstances.

Devotional Questions:

1. Where do you usually place your joy? Is it in something that can change or something unshakable?
2. How would your life look different if your joy was truly anchored in Jesus?
3. What areas of your life are you trying to control instead of trusting God’s plan?
4. Jesus connected the word "blessed" with real happiness—how can you shift your mindset to find happiness in Him rather than in temporary things?
5. What’s one practical step you can take this week to stay more connected to Jesus, your true source of joy?

Let this truth settle deep in your heart—real, lasting joy isn’t found in promotions, relationships, or achievements. It’s found in Jesus. And that kind of joy? It can’t be taken away.