21 Days of Prayer & FastingSample

Joy

Joy is a choice. Choosing joy isn’t always easy, especially when life is heavy. When we’re faced with struggles—whether it’s anxiety, depression, anger, or grief—joy can feel completely out of reach. It may seem like it’s just for people who don’t have to carry the burdens we’re facing. But if you know Jesus, joy is not only possible, it’s already within you, even in the middle of life’s hardest moments.

The Bible tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, a gift that the Holy Spirit plants in us. But like any gift, we need to receive and nurture it. If we’re not careful, we can allow the worries of life or the lies of the enemy to smother it. We have an enemy who would love nothing more than to keep us trapped in despair, robbing us of the joy that God intends for us. But as we hide God's Word in our hearts, we strengthen our ability to push back against hopelessness and find reasons to hold onto joy.

Joy isn’t about pretending everything’s okay or waiting for life to be perfect. It’s about trusting God right where we are. Joy can be ours, not because life is easy, but because God is unchanging. He is our anchor, our constant in every storm, and He promises to walk with us through it all. When we focus on His Word, we find a joy that sustains us, even when our circumstances haven’t changed. God is with us in the pain, and He already stands on the other side of it. This truth gives us a reason to rejoice, even if our season of hardship continues.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you invite God’s joy into the specific challenges you’re facing right now?
2. What are some verses or truths from God’s Word that you can turn to when you feel hopeless or overwhelmed?
3. In what ways might choosing joy impact your perspective on your current circumstances?

Prayer:

Lord, help me today to choose joy. Help me to see past my circumstances and know that you have given me hope and a future. Don’t allow the worries of today to cloud my joy, giving the devil a foothold. Help me to trust you and invite you into my challenges. I love you Lord. Amen.