Christian living Archives

Feeling stuck? 20 ways to Add joy to your life

Filed Under: Christian living // February 11, 2025

It can be easy to fall into the slump of life. But we were created to find joy, purpose, and meaning everyday. If you find yourself wandering aimlessly through your days, here is a list of ways to help you add joy to your life.

Here are the 20 best ways to add joy to your life today.

What is joy?

Have you ever met someone who seemed truly happy and content, no matter what life threw at them? From the outside, it may have looked like they had the perfect life – that everything they had came easy to them. But when you got to know them more, you found that their life was riddled with trials and heartache. You wondered how in the world they could have such a positive outlook when their life was so difficult.

Most likely, that person had a profound sense of joy found in Christ.

Joy, unlike happiness, is not a fleeting emotion but is a deep and lasting choice rooted in Christ. Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. This means that it is not dependent on life circumstances but on the promise of God. This is how we are able to choose joy even when life makes it difficult.

How choosing joy transformed my life

Happiness is an emotion that occurs when something good happens – when you get a new dress or a babysitter so you can finally go on a date. Joy is a choice that you make despite how your life seems to be going at the moment.

I am a stay-at-home mom, and although I truly love the gift of watching my children grow up, some days it gets monotonous. A few months ago, during a cold winter storm, my toddler and I were stuck inside for 2 weeks because of sub-freezing weather. We both started to get cabin fever. It was not a fun situation.

I started to notice that I was becoming discontent with life. Not only that, but I was starting to see the blessing of my toddler (and pregnancy) as a burden. I became ungrateful for the things I had prayed for a few short years ago.

Thankfully, through my daily Bible study, God reminded me that joy in Him is a choice and it was up to me to cultivate it. I sat down and came up with a list of ways to add joy back into my life and implemented it immediately.

20 Ways you can add joy to your life

Here are 20 ways you can add joy back to your life no matter what season you find yourself in:

Spend time with God
Practice gratitude
Make a list of the things that bring you joy
Embrace tiny moments
Live in the now
Journal
Serve others
Find a community
Learn to let go
Spend time in nature
Get lost in a book
Prioritize a healthy diet
Make time for movement
Put down the phone
Find time for self-care
Be conscious of your time
Create purposeful daily rituals
Slow down
Invest in relationships
Rest in God’s Sovereignty

Add joy by Spending time with God

As a fruit of the Spirit, true joy cannot be cultivated apart from God. John 15:11 tells us that our joy may be complete when it is found in God. Because of this simple truth, the quickest way to add joy to your life is to spend time with God.

Getting away from the distractions of this world is crucial to cultivating joy in Christ. Dedicate a portion of your day to quiet time. This is a time for Bible reading, prayer, and worship. It is okay if you don’t have hours and hours each day to read the Bible. Just make spending time with God a priority and you’ll be surprised at how much time you find you have.

Some easy ways to make quiet time a habit include: creating a morning routine, listening to scripture, Bible journaling, and guided devotionals.

If you are able to wake up 15 minutes earlier, you can carve out some time for reading the Bible while you sip on your coffee. You can listen to scripture on your way to work or dropping the kids off at school. Bible journaling can occur anytime you want a creative outlet while studying God’s word. And devotionals are a great way to dig deeper in scripture with topics or timeframes that work for you.

Related post: 31 Of The Best Scriptures On Joy

No matter how you choose to spend more time with God, you will find that a deepened relationship with your creator lends to increased joy in your life.

Add joy by Practicing gratitude

One reason we lack joy is because we focus on all of the problems in our life instead of the blessings God has given us. One way to combat this is by practicing gratitude. Gratitude shifts our focus from the challenges we face or the things we lack to what God has done and provided for us.

In scripture, we are commanded to rejoice always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). All circumstances means that our gratitude is not dependent on life going the way we planned. Instead, gratitude is a choice that we make. It is the active choice of being content and thankful for the season of life God has placed us in.

Some practical ways to practice gratitude include: gratitude journaling, prayer, and daily thankfulness lists. Lately, I’ve been incorporating writing down one or two things each morning that I am grateful for. This takes less than 5 minutes, but it helps set the tone of thankfulness for my day.

Make a list of the things that bring you joy

Similar to practicing gratitude, making a list of things that bring you joy can help shift your focus onto what is good. Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. By making a list of all the things that bring you joy, you will be focusing on these things. But even more so, you can use this list when you need to add joy to your life.

This list can be very practical when you include 10-20 things that you enjoy, then refer back to that list regularly. You can use it to choose a couple things to plan into your week. Or simply reference it when you are feeling down. Simply choose one or two items off the list and do them.

Add joy by Embracing tiny moments

There are so many tiny moments everyday that we miss and don’t celebrate because they seem too small to notice. These tiny moments can add up to bring us true happiness when we take a second to enjoy them. If you find yourself feeling stuck with the mundane in life, take time to embrace these moments.

Some of these moments can include: listening to your child’s laughter, smelling flowers in nature, smiling at a stranger, and enjoying a sunrise on your way to work. You can also create intentional joy-filled moments through small traditions and rituals that you take delight in doing.

enjoy life — Feeling stuck? Try one of these ways today!

Add joy by Living in the now

Living in the now is similar to embracing tiny moments, but it takes it a step further. To living in the now is to learn to find enjoyment in the ordinary: a quiet cup of coffee, the sound of your children playing, a warm hug, or the smell of fresh rain.

Not every day will be the most exciting day of you life. In fact, most days will be quite ordinary. But just because there is a rhythm to your life doesn’t mean that your life is boring. Rather, embrace that rhythm by marking God’s faithfulness in every moment.

Practical ways to live in the now include finding enjoyment in the ordinary everyday things that you do, such as making dinner or changing a diaper. This is possible when you remember that these things stem from the blessings God has given you.

Add joy by Journaling

Journaling is a great way to remember old joys and find new ones. Psalm 143:5 says “I remember the days of long ago. I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” Journaling is one way to record the faithfulness of God and remember all the ways He has blessed you. You can then go back and read the words you have written anytime you need a reminder of what He has done.

Add joy by Serving others

One thing that steals joy is constantly being focused inward on yourself. Instead, shift your focus outward by serving others. We all know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), yet we often don’t live that out.

However, when we stop to think of the life of Jesus – the very one we are called to imitate – we see how he served others selflessly. He healed the sick and fed the poor. He also spent time with lepers and the outcasts of society.

Some small, simple ways you can serve others include practicing hospitality by checking in on a friend, helping a neighbor, and having people over. You can also offer to cook someone a meal when they are sick, lost a loved one, or postpartum. And often, just spending time with others is an act of service in a world where most people feel forgotten.

Add joy by Finding a community

There are so many benefits to finding a good community. One is that community encourages us and spurs us on to do great things (Hebrews 10:24-25). Another benefit of community is that you have someone to pick you up when you fall or catch you when you falter (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). If you are looking to add more joy to your life, consider the community you have around you. Are you interacting with like-minded people daily or weekly? Or do you let a month go by without a meaningful conversation?

There are many ways to cultivate community, and they become even more crucial in seasons of transition or isolation. Some of these ways include: getting involved in church or Bible study, finding a group of people in a similar season, and inviting friends or acquaintances over for meals.

Add joy by Learning to let go

Sometime the thing that steals your enjoyment of life is not found in the present, but rather in the past. If you are holding on to something that is making you bitter or resentful, it’s time to let it go. Colossians 3:8 tells us to let go of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language. If you are experiencing any of these things in your life – even if the reason may be justified – it is hurting you.

Some practical ways to let go of these emotions include reading your Bible to understand God’s heart, prayer, journaling, talking to the offending person, and biblical counseling. Sometimes, when you get down to the heart of the issue, you will find that you weren’t holding on to anything important anyway.

Add joy by Spending time in nature

Nature is one of God’s many gifts to us, yet many of us go days, weeks, and even months without enjoying it. There have been so many studies that show a correlation between getting outside and breathing in fresh air to overall sense of contentment and fulfillment in life. As Christians, we have the added benefit of finding joy in nature as a reflection of God’s goodness. Psalm 19:1 says “the heavens declare the glory of God, the sky proclaims the work of His hands.” Getting outside in nature can refresh your soul while at the same time foster awe of the creator. This leads to more joy-filled moments in your life.

Some simple ways to incorporate more outdoor time include: nature walks, gardening, picknics, and watching the sunrise or sunset. You don’t have to go on an all-day hike to enjoy the nature (although I would encourage it every once-in-a-while). Simply make it a goal to get outside in the fresh air at least 15 minutes a day.

Get lost in a book

Do you remember the awe and amazement you had as a child when you got lost in a good book? Maybe you were able to finish it in a day or two and felt that sense of joy and pride – not only in the story, but your ability to read so much.

For some reason, as we become adults, we lose the ability to allow ourselves to get lost in a book. Yes, we may have 1000 things pulling at our attention. And we may know that staying up all night reading will make the next day more difficult. But I encourage you to let all of the sensible excuses fly out the window. Pick up a book that you know you’ll enjoy, and get lost in it. Allow yourself to find the same joyous pride you did as a child when you finish it it a day.

Prioritize a healthy diet

Eating junk can make you feel like… well, junk. Prioritizing a healthy and well rounded diet can help add joy to your life as you fill your body with the nutrients it desires. There has been a lot of research that links vitamins and mineral deficiencies with mood disorders, so if you are feeling blue most of the time, it might be worth looking into.

adding joy — Which one of these speaks to you?

Make time for movement

Movement is another thing that most people know we need to prioritize, yet it is easier said than done. If you are not already regularly exercising, don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t have to go out and buy the best gym membership you can find. Rather, find some quick and easy workouts on youtube that you will love doing. Or add movement into the time that you’re planning on getting out in nature. Remember, a little movement is better than none when it comes to finding more joy in your everyday life.

Put down the phone

Did you know that the average American spends over 4 hours on their phone everyday? That’s crazy! How much time do you spend browsing streaming services and scrolling through social medias? Does this time leave you feeling more refreshed, or more tired? Take a hard look at your phone usage and contemplate how much of it is adding value to your life. Be honest with yourself. Then see if you need to limit certain apps or the amount of time you spend on your phone. You may find that you have more time to do the things you love when you put your phone down for a bit.

Find time for Self-care

Sometimes (especially if you are a mother), you sacrifice the things you love so that you can get everything checked off your list. Maybe you love taking baths, but you don’t allow yourself to because you have too many dishes to wash and floors to scrub. Maybe your hobby is painting, but you always seem to find an excuse for why you don’t have time.

No matter what it is that brings you joy, make time for it!

This week I woke up early to go to Starbucks and read my Bible. In order to make sure I would be able to do something that brought me joy, I had to wake up 1.5 hours earlier than normal. But it was worth it! It has filled me with so much joy throughout the week because it is something that I enjoy doing. The silly thing is: that was the first time I had done that in the 2 years since my son was born. I don’t know why it took me so long. My husband was always telling me I could, but I finally decided that I needed to make time for things that brought me joy.

Be conscious of your time

If you are constantly feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your day, perhaps it would be helpful to do a time audit. Simply print out a daily calendar for the week with time stamps every 30 minutes. On one side, make a note of what you would like to be doing during certain times. So write down you work schedule, meal times, appointments. Jot down anything that you think you will do during the week. Then, as the days of the week progress, fill out in what you are actually spending your time on.

Although this may seem tedious, doing so will help you see where your time is going and will give you indicators of things that steal your joy verses the things that you enjoy doing and need to incorporate more into your day.

Create purposeful daily rituals

If you already have a pretty good idea of where your time is going, you may be able to add in some daily rituals to help you incorporate more joy into your life. These rituals can help you find enjoyment throughout the day because they are specifically curated toward your personality and desires.

Some practical ways to create purposeful daily rituals include: enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise, having an afternoon tea break, taking an evening walk, or talking with your spouse before bed.

Slow down

Joy is often found in less, not more. Less clutter, less business, and less mental overwhelm. If you find your life whirling by you, take time to slow down. This looks different for everyone, but at it’s core, slowing down means living a more intentional life. It means saying “no” to the things that don’t matter, and “yes” to the things that do.

Part of slowing down is decluttering and finding the freedom that comes from owning less. But decluttering is not just a physical solution, it can also occur mentally and spiritually as well. In fact, minimalism and slow living align with a Christ-centered life as your focus shifts from needing to have more to resting content in Christ.

Jesus tells His followers to not store up treasures on earth where they will ultimately be destroyed, but to instead store up eternal treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Where is your treasure found?

Some practical tips for slowing down include” simplifying your routines, choosing rest over busyness, and letting go of comparison.

Invest in relationships

Prioritizing deep, Christ-centered relationships can lead to renewed joy in so many ways. Not only were we meant to be in community with others, but we are called to have intimate and lasting relationships with others. These relationships include with our spouse, our parents, our siblings, and our friends. They lead to laughter, good memories together, joy-filled moments, a shoulder to cry on, and someone to reach out to in times of need. James 5:16 tells us to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other so that we may be healed. Prioritizing these deep, Christ-centered relationships gives you someone you can count on for anything.

The most practical way to invest in relationships is to simply spend intentional time together. Whether it be through date nights with your spouse, weekly phone calls with your family, or brunch with your friends. Find ways to be intentional with those you value.

rest in God’s sovereignty

Worry and the need to be in control can steal joy; trusting in God restores it. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us to not be anxious about anything. He gives the example of the birds of the air being fed without storing away in barns and the flowers of the field being clothed without toil or spinning. If that is how God feeds and clothes the birds and flowers, won’t He do so much more for you? Surrender your anxieties to God and let His peace wash over you.

Ways to cultivate trust in God’s plan include: scripture meditation, speaking God’s truth over your fears, and keeping a prayer journal.

Conclusion

If you are looking for ways to add more joy to your life, remember: true joy is found in Christ alone. It is not found in life circumstances. Because of that simple truth, you can experience joy no matter what life throws at you.

Pick one or two areas to focus on this week and see how they can add joy to your life.

Take every thought captive – How to live in obedience to Christ

Filed Under: Christian living // October 15, 2024

This post is all about what it means to take every thought captive, where the saying came from, and how you can do it.

If you’ve spent time in Christian circles, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “take every thought captive.” But where does it come from, what does it truly mean, and how can we apply it biblically to our lives? If you’re unsure, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore this concept together, and by the end, you’ll have practical steps to help you take your thoughts captive today.

Where does “take every thought captive” come from?

The Biblical quote to “take every thought captive” is written by Paul in 2 Corinthians 10. In this section, Paul discusses how some people have come against him and say false things about him (he is bold when writing but timid when talking face to face). It is in this context that Paul writes the following:

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

In the World but not of it

Paul’s first point is that although we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. Here, Paul has people attacking his character, but instead of fighting back in ways the world would encourage, he turns to God (more on that later).

Some of the ways that the world has taught us to fight is through manipulation and smooth words – trying to outsmart another person. We’ve also been told to think more highly of ourselves, elevating our own status while putting others down. This can be both with an image of success (what you do for work) or your perceived power over someone.

However, we are not fighting with what the world fights with.

That is why the first step in taking every thought captive is realizing what weapons you are fighting with. You need to realize what is driving your thoughts and where they are coming from before you can take them captive.

The weapons of our warfare

If we’re not to fight like the world, how do we fight? Paul points us to spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:10-20. The armor includes truth, righteousness, readiness to share the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. These are the tools God gives us to demolish strongholds and renew our minds.

The sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is our offensive weapon against the lies of this world. When we know Scripture, we’re equipped to fight thoughts that are not from God. And through continuous prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), we invite God to transform and renew our minds.

How Jesus fought

Jesus, when fighting for our salvation, became meek. He did not fight with an army and overthrow the Roman Empire like many wanted Him to. Rather, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death for us (Philippians 2:6-8). David Guzirk, in Enduring Word Bible Commentary, put it like this: “This kind of victory through humble obedience offended the Corinthian Christians because it seemed so “weak.” The carnal, human way is to overpower, dominate, manipulate, and out-maneuver. The spiritual, Jesus way is to humble yourself, die to yourself, and let God show His resurrection power through you.”

2 Corinthians 2:5 — Don’t allow thoughts to linger longer than they should.

Demolishing strongholds

When Paul says that we are to demolish strongholds, he is talking about anything that contradicts the true knowledge and nature of God.

Here, Paul is writing about Christians who are speaking against him and against the nature of God. These are the very people who are supposed to be speaking only the truth of God. Yet, they are allowing lies to persist in their lives and in others.

Why we take every thought captive

It is because of other people that Paul writes we need to take every thought captive. This is not a command for all believers but a statement about what Paul is doing in the face of His enemies. He is taking their thoughts (or their words against him) captive and submitting them to the truth of Christ.

We, unfortunately, belong to the group of people that Paul is trying to demolish… so we should be submitting ourselves to Paul’s teaching and the scriptures and saying, “Okay, Holy Spirit, do your work and demolish anything in me that is not of you.”

How to apply the scripture to take every thought captive

Although this passage is often misinterpreted as a command from Paul for all Christians, there is still truth to be found in taking every though captive and submitting it to Christ.

We are called to the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) and part of that is stoping thoughts as soon as we realize that they are not from God.

We are also to glorify God in our bodies and spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Because we were bought at a price we have the responsibility to submit our thoughts to His truth.

Steps to take thoughts captive

It can be hard if you are struggling with submitting your thoughts to Christ. Here are five steps you can take today to make your thoughts obedient to Him.

Categorize your thoughts

Grab a pen and paper and make a list of all the categories of thoughts that you struggle with. Maybe you have a tendency to be anxious, always worrying about the next thing. Maybe you struggle with depression and not feeling good enough. Perhaps you get easily annoyed by your spouse and have feelings of hatred toward them.
Whatever it is you are struggling with, bring it to light and write it down.

Consider what you consume

For each category you struggle with, consider what you consume and eliminate any outside influences that trigger those thoughts. If what you spend your time doing does not bring glory to God and uplift others, it might cause you to stumble.

Maybe you need to remove Instagram because every time you get on there you become envious of other people’s perceived lives. Perhaps you need to turn off notifications because whenever you hear the ding you feel anxious. Or maybe you need to spend less time on Netflix because the relationships portrayed are not godly and they give you a false sense of marriage.

Replace lies with scripture

Now that you’ve been able to identify what your thoughts are and where their main influences come from, it’s time to replace their lies with truth.

To do that, find scripture that speaks truth over your struggles. If you are having trouble in marriage, Ecclesiastes 4:9 or Ephesians 5:22-33 may be a good place to start. Are anxious thoughts getting you down, consider starting with Philippians 4:6-7.

If you aren’t sure how to find verses, do a simple Google search “bible verses for ___” and you will find many.

Memorize and meditate

Make it a priority to meditate on those passages you’ve found. This simply means going over them again and again so that you can internalize their meaning. Don’t be afraid to use some commentaries or other resources to go deeper into the verse and find the context behind it.

You will also want to memorize a few verses so that anytime a thought comes into your head, you are able to combat it with the truth of God. You will be surprised at how quickly your struggle flees when confronted with God’s word.

Pray continuously

Whenever you have a thought that you want to take captive, bring it to God in prayer. Don’t worry if you don’t know the “right words” to say. God cares more about your heart than your eloquence. Simply express to Him that you are struggling with taking a thought captive. You can repeat the verses you have memorized and let His truth speak to you, while thanking Him for His truth. Allow His peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) to wash over you as you pour out your heart to Him.

steps to taking thoughts captive — Follow these steps to take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ.

Helpful tips for taking every thought captive

Taking every thought captive requires active participation. It’s not enough to wish a negative thought away—you must replace it with truth. Memorize Scripture, pray consistently, and make a deliberate choice to turn your thoughts over to Christ.

Resources to consider to help you take every thought captive

If you struggle with being consistent in prayer, this 5-year journal can help you make it a habit. Simply fill out a small prayer at the same time each day and then you will have a record of the faithfulness of God in your life.

These tiny boho scripture cards are perfect to carry around with you when you are trying to memorize scripture.

Final thoughts on taking every thought captive

Paul goes on to write that “we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience has been made complete” (2 Corinthians 10:6). Here, he is saying that if the Corinthian Christians were unwilling or unable to pull down the strongholds around them, he would do it for them.

Don’t be like the Corinthians Paul was calling out for not wanting to change their lives. Don’t allow strongholds to remain unchecked in your mind. Instead, take every thought captive and submit it to the truth of Christ, living in obedience to Him.

This post has equipped you with practical tools to take every thought captive and walk in the freedom that comes from aligning your mind with God’s truth.

Thanksgiving Devotional: Reflecting On God’s Goodness and Provision

Filed Under: Christian living // August 27, 2024

This Thanksgiving Devotional is designed to help you reflect on God’s goodness and provision in your life.

Thanksgiving is the one holiday a year when we pause to be thankful for what we have – followed quickly by going out and buying more things. This year, instead of getting through the thankfulness part so you can move on to the consumerism part, take time to slow down and reflect on God’s goodness to you over the years. Reflect on His provision in your life.

In this Thanksgiving devotional, I’ll help you explore just how you can do that. I’ll show you how you can cultivate a grateful heart by providing a firm biblical foundation and other helpful resources. Through scripture, prayer, and reflection, you’ll begin to align your heart with God’s will and develop a grateful spirit that endures beyond the holiday season.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

The Biblical foundation of being thankful

The Bible is full of verses on thankfulness and gratitude, with the command to “rejoice always” strong throughout. But often, without some kind of reminder in our daily lives, we forget to be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

How is it possible to rejoice always? We’ll get into some of the more practical tips in a second, but first it’s important to know the “why” behind the action. Do you have a “why”? Or do you just want to practice gratitude because you think you should? This next verse might be able to answer the question of “why” for you.

Psalm 100:4-5

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

The reason we choose to be thankful is because of God and His faithfulness to us. Can you think of the ways in which God has been faithful in your own life? How have you seen the Love of God on display? When you think of God’s faithfulness, are you immediately filled with gratitude?

Recognizing God’s goodness in everyday life

Although God’s goodness is always on display for all to see, sometimes we may need help opening our eyes to it. In Exodus, Moses asked God to show him His glory, and God did. God responded by passing in front of Moses, proclaiming “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 30:5-7). The goodness of God is in His glory. The phrase “abounding in love” in Hebrew is חֶסֶד (ḥeseḏ), and it is an unconditional loving-kindness. It is the goodness of God – an undeserved mercy.

The goodness of God gives us every reason for gratitude and to sing back praises to God. Here are some practical ways to practice gratitude in daily life.

Daily gratitude journal

A gratitude journal is a great way to practice thankfulness. With a new prompt each day, this Thanksgiving gratitude Journal is sure to inspire you to live a life filled with gratitude. Another great way to practice gratitude journaling is by writing out three things you are grateful for each day. This simple aesthetic journal would be perfect for daily gratitude. You can turn any thanksgiving or gratitude journal into a devotional by including scriptures with your entries.

Reflect on God’s Character

If you ever feel stuck when thinking of what you are grateful for, reflect on God’s character. The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8), he is patient (2 Peter 3:9) and He is everlasting (Isaiah 40:28). God is light, and there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5). He is the giver of good gifts (James 1:17), He is the Way, the truth, and the Life (John 14:6). There are countless verses that speak to God’s character, and reflecting on who God is can help you know where to start in your gratitude journey.

Thankfulness in prayer

Another great way to express your thankfulness to God is to tell Him! God loves you and desires a close relationship with you. One of the best ways to draw closer to God is simply by talking to Him as you would to a friend. You can pour out your heart to Him and rest secure that He will listen. He desires to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life. Don’t hold back from praising Him with thankfulness, or even crying out to Him in sorrow. Just talk to Him.

holiday devotional — How has God been faithful in your life?

If you find it difficult to pray because your mind wanders, using a Thanksgiving devotional journal would be a great way to help you focus. As you write down your prayers, you can really think about what you are saying. It can also be encouraging to look back later at your prayers and see how God has been faithful in your life.

A Thankfulness devotional includes God’s provision

One of the qualities of God is that He is your Provider in every sense of the word. Not only does He physically provide for your needs, but He also provides spiritually and emotionally as well.

Physical provision

Matthew 6:26

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

One of the biggest things that can keep us from gratitude is worrying about physical needs. If you are worried about having enough money this month to provide groceries or other necessities for your family, take heart. In this section, Jesus is speaking to a large crowd telling them not to worry. If God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field, won’t He do the same (and more) for you? Take a moment to reflect on how you have already seen God’s provision in your life.

Spiritual Provision

Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

In this famous passage where Paul states that he has learned to be content no matter his situation, he asserts that God will meet ALL of your needs. Why? Because of the riches of God’s glory in Christ.

Emotional provision

Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

What an amazing verse of comfort! God does not shy away when you are experiencing a difficult season, but He draws near. He is close to you when you are brokenhearted, just as He is close to you when you are filled with joy. God provides Peace (John 14:27) and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Cultivating a thankful heart in all seasons

Thanksgiving is a very specific time of the year when everyone gets together and focuses on family, friends, and gratitude. Most people lay aside their differences and their complaints about life to live in the moment. It is easy to be thankful during this season when everyone else is also expressing their gratitude. But how can you remain grateful throughout the year?

Trusting God’s plan

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I may not know what situation you are going through, but I do know there is a lot of pain in this world. Although it can be difficult to see God’s love when you are in the middle of a difficult circumstance, trust in Him. Trust that God desires the best for you. And trust that He is working ALL THINGS for your good.

Choosing gratitude

Colossians 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Even if you find yourself in a difficult situation, you still have the ability to choose how you respond. You can rest in the peace and comfort that God gives. You can choose to be thankful for the small things in life. Just because you are choosing gratitude doesn’t mean that you can’t acknowledge how difficult life is. But it means that you choose not to dwell on the negative. Instead you dwell on the faithfulness of Christ.

Reflecting on God’s faithfulness

Whenever I am going through a difficult season, I reflect on God’s faithfulness in my own life. I can see how he has already brought me through difficult seasons, like depression and a miscarriage. I can also see how he has blessed me abundantly – with a loving husband and adorable son. Because I am able to look back at God’s faithfulness, I can confidently look forward to His promises.

Thanksgiving as a lifestyle

Life can be overwhelming, and when there isn’t a specific holiday reminding you to choose gratitude, thankfulness can be easily forgotten. Here are four ways to help you practice thankfulness every day.

Start each day with gratitude

As soon as you wake up in the morning, take a moment to be thankful. If you are the type of person who needs a cup of coffee before you are truly awake, consider combining your morning cup with journal time, where you can write down and reflect on things you are grateful for.

Incorporate gratitude into worship

Part of worship is praising God for His faithfulness, goodness, and mercy. But when was the last time you were truly present during worship? Instead of passively singing along with the songs, reflect on the lyrics. How do they speak to the character of God? And don’t be afraid to take a break from singing altogether to just be in the presence of God. Let God know how grateful you are for who He is and what He has done.

Encourage others to be thankful

Next time you are having a conversation with someone, and they are steering towards pessimism, consider how you can bring the topic back to gratitude. This might require quite a bit of practice and even patience, but you’ll be surprised at how it affects other people. They may begin to see things in a new light because you chose to speak truth and gratitude with them.

Live out your gratitude

It might be tempting to check off a box for morning gratitude and then go on your merry way the rest of the day, without letting the practice change you at all. Find ways to live out your gratitude. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it!

Reflect on this Thanksgiving devotional

As Christians, we are called to be thankful always. In the modern world, this can seem quite difficult, but I hope this post on a Thanksgiving Devotional has encouraged you and given you some helpful tips on how to encourage gratefulness in your everyday life. Get started with gratitude today by leaving a comment below with something you are thankful for!

This post was all about thanksgiving devotional tips to help you practice gratefulness everyday.

31 Gratitude Journal Prompts for Thanksgiving {free printable}

Filed Under: Christian living // August 9, 2024

This post is all about gratitude journal prompts to help you practice thankfulness.

A gratitude journal is a great way to document and keep track of what you are thankful for and why. In a world where everyone is always rushing from one thing to the next, taking a moment to slow down and practice gratitude can help calm anxiety and give you a better outlook on life.

Thanksgiving journal prompts

These gratitude journaling prompts are meant to help you think about the Thanksgiving season and why we celebrate it.

1. What Thanksgiving memory are you most grateful for?

Whether every Thanksgiving is filled with numerous joyful memories, or maybe only one Thanksgiving brought you joy, what memory are you most grateful for?

2. Describe a family tradition that brings you joy.

Were you someone who grew up in an abundance of traditions? Was there only one tradition in your home? Or maybe there was never any lasting intentional tradition. What do you remember was always constant in your Thanksgiving celebrations?

3. What aspect of Thanksgiving are you most grateful for?

Whether it be food, family, and friends, Or maybe sports, conversations, or clothing. What is the one aspect you are most grateful for?

4. Who are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Maybe it’s someone who was at every Thanksgiving as far back as you can remember. Or maybe it’s someone new you just met. Maybe it’s someone you are grateful to have around for another year.

5. How do you show gratitude during Thanksgiving?

Does your family go around the table saying what they are most grateful for? Do you keep a gratitude journal (wink, wink)? Or do you look for practical ways to bless others because of your gratitude?

People-centered gratitude Journal prompts

Generally, we can all agree that people are important. And these gratitude journal prompts help you reflect on the people that mean the most to you.

6. What are you grateful for in your marriage or family?

When you live in close proximity to someone else, you experience all of their perfections and imperfections. What is the one thing you know you can always count on with your spouse?

7. Who are three people you are grateful to have in your life? Write them a letter expressing your gratitude.

Is it your mom, best friend, and next-door neighbor? No matter who it is, choose at least one, if not all three, and make their day by writing them a letter expressing your gratitude.

8. Write about someone who has made a positive impact on your life.

Was there an elementary teacher who gave you your love for writing? A collage admission director who took a chance on you? Or maybe a pastor who always knows the right message to give.

9. Describe a recent moment of kindness from a stranger. How can you provide a moment of kindness to a stranger this week?

This world moves so fast that we often forget to take notice of one another. Has someone shown you a random act of kindness? How can you spread that kindness to others?

10. Write about a close friend or family member that brings you joy every time you think of them.

We all know that one person who brings a smile to our faces at the mention of their name. Who is it for you? Why?

Journaling ideas for gratitude — Practice gratitude in everyday life.

Experience Gratitude Journal prompts

Here are questions to help you reflect on your experiences and how they have shaped you into the person you are today.

11. What was a difficult experience that you are now grateful for?

Was there ever a time in your life that you didn’t know how you would make it through? Now that you did, and are better for it, write about why it impacted you so much.

12. Describe a time when you felt supported and thankful.

We all have moments when we need to lean on others around us. When was a time you felt support and were grateful for it?

13. What is something you are looking forward to in the upcoming season?

Whether it be Thanksgiving dinner, a road-trip to see family, or tomorrow’s cup of coffee, what are you looking forward to?

14. Describe an educational experience you are grateful for that did not occur in a traditional academic environment.

Learning doesn’t have to be limited to a classroom. When did you have an amazing educational experience that would not be considered traditionally educational?

15. Write about a time when you helped someone when you didn’t want to. What was the outcome?

We’ve all been there. Someone needed our help but zero percent of us wanted to help. Write about that time for you. What was the outcome and how did it make you feel?

16. Describe an experience that helped you feel more connected to others and why you are grateful for it.

Whether it was a group activity you were afraid to do, a long flight with a stranger, or getting lost in the Amazon rainforest, we all have an experience we are now grateful for.

Gratitude journal prompts for reflecting on material things

Material things are not always bad, even though they get a bad rep. These gratitude journaling prompts will help you shift through what really matters.

17. Describe the thing you are most grateful for in your home.

We spend so much time surrounded by the possessions that we worked so hard to acquire. What are you most grateful for?

18. List all of the simple things in life that you are grateful for.

The super simple things. The ones you don’t usually think about. Soft underwear? Check. A toothbrush? Can’t live without it. Coffee maker? Absolutely!

19. Describe a piece of technology that makes your life easier and why you are grateful for it.

As much as we hate to admit it, technology can be a very useful tool. What piece of technology are you most grateful for?

20. What three things are you most grateful for this year?

These can be a little more extravagant than the simple things you were grateful for two days ago.

21. Describe a piece of furniture in your home that you are most grateful for and why.

Is your bed the perfect place for sleeping? Likewise your desk may be the best place for getting work done. Or maybe your kid’s high-chair is the best for cleaning.

Thought-provoking Gratitude journal prompts

In case the prompts didn’t make you think enough, here are my top thought-provoking gratitude journal prompts.

22. Describe the best advice you’ve ever received.

I was once told to not worry about what other people wanted for my wedding because it was supposed to be my day. Turns out this can also apply to raising kids.

23. What is something that you once took for granted that you are now grateful for?

Can you believe that I once didn’t like coffee but now I can’t live without it. The thing you took for granted doesn’t have to be super profound, you just have to be grateful for it now.

24. What is something beautiful you’ve seen today?

Leaves are changing color, the weather is stormy, and fireplaces are lit. Later, you can cozy up with some tea or hot chocolate. What was the most beautiful thing from your day?

25. Reflect on your personal growth over the last year.

Obviously, a year is a long time, and we all experience some level of change. How have you grown this past year? How fo you hope to grow this next year?

26. What is a simple pleasure or daily routine that you are grateful for?

I love waking my toddler up by laying next to his bed and saying a soft good morning. It’s my favorite routine. His favorite seems to be screaming at me BEFORE it’s time to wake up and getting ME out of bed. Oh well… you win some you lose some.

27. What is a challenge that you overcame this year that you are thankful for?

Navigating a new season with a husband in medical school has come with its ups and downs. But now that we’re past the first year, I can see all the growth. Our marriage is stronger because of it.

Journal prompts to reflect on your relationship with Christ

The most important thing in life is loving God and loving His people. These prompts will help you keep your focus on God.

28. What quality of God are you most grateful for?

His divine nature? Maybe His loving-kindness? His compassion or mercy? There are so many qualities. And all of them are equally wonderful. But sometimes one is more impactful to us than the others. Which quality are you most grateful for?

29. Describe how you can consciously cultivate more gratitude this year.

The Bible tells us over and over again to be thankful. How can you practice gratitude this year?

30. What skill or talent are you grateful to have? How can you use it to serve others this season?

The Bible tells us that God gives us all unique gifts to serve Him and His kingdom with. What gift or talent do you have?

31. How has your faith brought you peace in difficult times?

One of the biggest blessings that comes with being a Christian is knowing that we can rest secure in the faithfulness of God. And this brings peace that surpasses all understanding. Reflect on how your faith has brought you peace. How can you share that peace with others?

What gratitude journaling prompts affected you the most or made you think the hardest?

The Story behind Uncovered Joy: mission and values

Filed Under: Christian living // July 30, 2024

This post is all about the story behind Uncovered Joy – How it came to be and its mission and values.

Hello! My name is Tabitha and I am the founder of uncoveredjoy.com. Whether you are a new visitor or a returning reader, I am so glad you’re here. In this post, I wanted to introduce myself a bit more and share my heart and story behind Uncovered Joy. This post will give you a glimpse into my life, the purpose of Uncovered Joy, and what you can expect from the content.

Story Uncovered Joy — I am here to help you uncover joy in your life.

Introduction

At Uncovered Joy, my mission is to inspire and equip you to live a life of Joy because of the cross. To do this, I have created a Bible study that walks you through the Bible, chapter by chapter, asking life application questions throughout (more on this later). Throughout this Bible study, I have included ideas for Bible Journaling to help you engage with the text more fully. I also provide various resources for Christian living topics, such as How to Find Rest In God Alone.

Another aspect of Uncovered Joy is my desire to help you find freedom through slow, intentional living, and being content with what you have. Here, we explore topics related to minimalism and organization to free up time and space so that you can live a life of meaning.

I believe that a joyful life is found when your identity is fully rooted in Christ. Then you can let go of the things this world says are important and embrace the freedom and peace that comes from God.

It is because of this that Uncovered Joy was born. I created uncovered Joy out of a desire to share practical tips and inspirational content that can help you uncover the joy in your everyday life.

Mission: The story of Uncovered Joy

At Uncovered Joy, my mission is to inspire and equip you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

I aim to do this by providing you the resources you need engage with scriptures. I firmly believe that the word of God is living and active. Because of this, I walk you through the Bible, showing that it is not an archaic book that is hard to understand, but rather it is an exciting love story between God and You.

I also show how you can free yourself of the burden of clutter and explore how you can practice living life more intentionally so you can make room for what matters.

The story of how Uncovered Joy Came to Be

I have always loved reading my Bible. It began in grade-school when I started doing Bible quizzing with my church. I loved that I was able to read the Bible, verse-by-verse, and engage with the whole text. I enjoyed memorizing scripture and seeing the bigger picture of God’s redemptive story as I learned more about God and His Character. Throughout high-school, I continued with quizzing, memorizing huge chunks of scripture and deepening my relationship with God.

It wasn’t until collage that I realized that not everyone experienced the same joy and hunger for God’s word. As my schedule became busier and busier, I myself started to lose my desire to grow in my relationship with Christ. And through some life events, I found myself struggling with depression. After many months of feeling like I had no purpose or value, through the help of a counselor, I began to realize that when my identity is truly found in God, I have a refuge from any trial.

Anytime a negative thought entered my head, I was able to replace it with a truth from God that I had memorized years earlier. I continued this practice of speaking the truths of God in my life, and over time, God healed me and filled me with Joy.

After collage, I wanted to equip others with the same ability to experience God’s joy in their lives. So I started a blog.

Well, that failed.

In an attempt to reach my goals, I decided to move across the country. Taking only what fit into my small car, I learned how to live on my own while working full time and pursuing a master’s degree. Although I still delighted in God’s word, I allowed life to become so busy that my time with God was squeezed thin.

So, I closed down the blog.

Lucky for me, God had so much more for me than I could ever ask or imagine. He dropped an amazing man into my life (No, I did not move across the country just to meet a man). God helped me lean into the desires that I always had to help others love Him and His word. He showed me that I could be a wife, mother, and mentor.

Through God’s grace, I now have a platform where I can share with others the Joy that is Uncovered in daily life when you walk with God.

Uncovered joy today — Studying the Bible can be fun and engaging.

Goals

If you can’t tell, Uncovered Joy has many goals. But they all stem from the same overarching theme: helping you uncover joy in everyday life because of the cross. To do this, I have split the blog into six main goals or categories.

Bible Study – It is my desire to have a free Bible Study that walks you through the entire Bible in just one year. This Bible study can be completed in as little as 15 minutes a day, or take as long as you have with its background information and application questions.
Bible Journaling – One of my favorite ways to engage with scripture is through Journaling. I love the artistic side (although I am not artistic in the slightest), and I love the ability to write my notes directly in my Bible so that they are there the next time I need them. In this blog, I give many examples, tips, and tricks, so you can encounter God’s word in a new way too.
Christian Living – I know I am not the only one who has questions about what it means to live as a Christian. Whenever a new question comes up, I like to answer it to the best of my ability, sharing what I’ve learned and the resources I’ve used with you.
Slow Living – My favorite part of slow living is that it is simply learning to live intentionally. Throughout this blog, I share why I believe this is an inherently Christian concept, and I show you how to practice slow living in everyday life.
Minimalism – A fun caveat of slow living is minimalism. This is the idea that less is more, and life is more fun when you have less to worry about. Less stuff means more time for what you enjoy.
Cleaning and Organization – Of course, having less stuff doesn’t mean you never need to clean. I share my best cleaning hacks to save you time and help you enjoy the process. I am also a big fan of “clean” cleaning products, so I share all my favorite, non-toxic finds.

Values: the story of uncovered joy

As you have (hopefully) noticed, God is very Important to me. My relationship with Him is what guides me throughout the day, and my Christian faith is the cornerstone of everything I do.

Faith-centered living

I believe that studying the Bible is important for every Christian, because we need to know the Words of God to remain strong in our faith. His word should be what directs every area of your life as you grow in your relationship with Him. I believe that Bible journaling is a great tool for engaging with the text as we explore what God has to say to us through His word.

Simplicity and Slow Living

I am committed to intentionally living every day in simplicity for the glory of God. Because living with less can lead to a more abundant and joyful life. I value the importance of slowing down, being mindful, and finding contentment in the present moment.

Authenticity

Uncoveredjoy.com is written solely by me. It is an open dialogue of my own current walk with God and a reflection of my desire to grow in relationship with Him. I strive to be genuine and honest in all my content, sharing both my successes and failures, knowing that I answer to God and I am under His authority.

Community

I believe in the power of fellowship and community. Because of this, I encourage you to find a local community of believers where you can encourage one another and not give up meeting together. I also aim to build a supportive and encouraging space online for you as we engage in God’s word together.

I love to show others the freedom of living with less.

What you can expect from Uncovered Joy

Content overview

At Uncovered Joy, you can expect a variety of content designed to inspire and equip you on your journey to a joyful life. From tips on slow living and minimalism to Bible study guides and Christian living advice, I aim to provide meaningful, practical, and uplifting content. I also love sharing creative ideas for Bible journaling to help you connect and engage with scripture in a new way.

Frequency

After a year of putting out one post a week, I am now shifting over to two! This is an exciting time for Uncovered Joy as I expand on what I have already built, making sure to deliver even more great resources to you. So be sure to check back often or subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates.

Join the Journey

If you are a young mother, like me, looking for ways to connect with God and grow in your relationship with Him, then join me in this journey to uncovering joy. Feel free to reach out to me through email, leave comments on any post, or follow me on pinterest to keep up to date. Together, we can build communities that support and encourage one another.

Continue learning more about the story of Uncovered joy

If you have stuck around with me to the end of this post, then continue reading more! Feel free to take a look around the blog, and leave a comment below about which category you resonate the most with.

There you have it! The story behind Uncovered Joy and the mission of the blog!

7 ways to adjust how you pray for enemies now

Filed Under: Christian living // July 16, 2024

This post is all about how you can pray for your enemies in a godly way today.

You’ve probably heard the verse before “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44), but how can you realistically apply those words to your life? Below are 5 ways to not only pray for your enemies but to pray in a way that will change you in the process.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Pray daily for your enemies

Often, it is easy to just pray for that annoying person when they offend you and then forget about them. But if you build up the habit of praying for them every day, you can start to have God’s eyes when you see them.

Prayer is simply communicating with God, and God desires to have a daily relationship with us (John 3:16 anyone?) God wants us to know him. Acts 17:27 says that God wants us to “seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Not only does God want to have a relationship with you, but he wants a relationship with that person who has offended you. Keep both those things in mind as you pray daily.

Pray for God’s Heart

It is so easy to focus on the offense and how this person has wronged you. As Christians, however, God wants to give us His heart for His people. Acts 13:22 describes David as a Man after God’s heart. But what does it mean to follow God’s heart? It means to listen to and obey His voice in your life. It means that in having a relationship with God, you begin to rejoice with the things God rejoices in and mourn the things that cause God to mourn.

When you pray for God’s heart with this person, you are praying that you will see them as God sees them.

Pray for what’s real

When praying for your enemies, don’t pray for their souls as if you know their relationship with God. Rather, pray for what is real in their life. Maybe you know of a struggle that they are going through. Pray for that. Pray that God gives them peace and wisdom in overcoming what they are up against.

In Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis, writing from the Devil’s perspective, talks about prayer. He writes that it is best to keep a Christian from praying, but if that is not possible, then make sure that the Christian is praying for their general mood, rather than for God’s presence and wisdom.

When praying, you can pray for the person’s relationship with God – specifically where they are lacking. This will undoubtedly make you feel better about your relationship with God, eventually making you feel like you are better than they are.

Instead of praying in this way which can make you feel more righteous, you can pray for their current situation, enabling you to have empathy and compassion for them. When you pray for someone, pray for them as a child of God. Pray for them as you would pray for your best friend. Pray for them in a way that the focus is on them and their concerns, not you and yours.

Pray for your enemies needs

Similar to the last point, instead of praying about how bad you think they are and how they’ve wronged you, pray for their physical needs. It can be so easy to get caught up in how they’ve offended you and how you are right in this situation, but part of having God’s heart is considering other people’s needs (Philippians 2:3-4).

So, the next time you are praying for those who’ve wronged you, pray for their physical needs. If you aren’t sure what they are, pray that God will show you. If you do know what they are, is there any way you can provide for that person? If they need help with groceries, can you be the one to supply them? If they need someone to mow their lawn, can you dedicate an hour a week for the job, stopping to have a conversation about how good our God is while you work?

Pray that God will use you to be His hands and feet, serving His people in humility (1 Peter 4:10).

powerful prayer for enemies — How can you be a servant?

Pray with Good intentions

There is a song called Pray For You that says

“you can’t go hatin’ others
Who have done wrong to you…
Let the good Lord do his job, you just pray for them.

I pray your brakes go out runnin’ down a hill
I pray a flower pot falls from a window sill
And knocks you in the head like I’d like to”

While that sentiment is understandable, God calls us to have empathy for those who hurt us. Luke 6:27-28 says “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

God calls us to see our enemies through his eye. So even when it’s tough, pray for your enemies the same way you would want people to pray for you.

Pray for yourself

The last point seems a bit contradictory. Why would you need to pray for yourself when you are praying for your enemies?

Jesus tells us “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (Ja mes 1:5). Often, when someone has offended you, it is pointing to one of your insecurities. That insecurity exists regardless of what your enemy has said or done.

Ask God to give you his wisdom, both in dealing with your enemy and in overcoming your own shortcomings. Pray that God grants you His vision. Pray that God would help you see the person the same way He does. God loves that person desperately, just as much as he loves you. So pray that God grants you the patience and wisdom when dealing with that person, and the eyes to see them as God’s child.

Use a prayer Journal

Sometimes our minds can wander when we are trying to pray. If you have this problem, consider using a prayer journal to help you focus your thoughts. There are so many wonderful prayer journals out there, like this daily prayer and gratitude journal that guides you with a few prompts each day. The Clever Fox Prayer Journal is a daily devotional as well as a prayer tracker. It gives dedicated space to reflections and thoughts from each days Bible reading, as well as focusing on gratitude and prayer. The Prayer Map Journal uses a creative approach to keep you engaged in prayer. This beautiful leather journal is perfect for anyone who wants a blank slate without any prompts for their prayer journal.

Reflect on how you can pray for your enemies today

Do you need to pray for your enemies today? Which of the steps can you implement to help you have God’s heart for His people as you pray for them?

31 of the Best Verses to Help You Focus On God

Filed Under: Christian living // June 18, 2024

This post is all about the best Bible verses to help you focus on God, no matter your current situation.

In our busy world, full of distractions stealing our time, it can be hard to truly focus on God. Here is a list containing 31 of the best Bible verses to help you focus on God, by helping you understand what it means to keep your eyes on Him and how you can apply it to your life.

Focus on God verses — Here are 31 of the best verses to help you focus on God today.

Verses for what it means to focus on God

If you want to begin focusing on God more, but you aren’t sure what that means or where to start, this section is for you. John 3:30 tells us that God must become greater in our lives, and we must become less. These verses are the perfect place to start that transformation!

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The first step towards focusing on God and not your problems is to realize what you are focusing on. Every time you notice that you are worried about a problem, stressed about a situation, or thinking on something that is not from God, take those thoughts captive. Give them back to God and ask for His wisdom and direction to keep your eyes fixed on Him.

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Do you remember the first time you picked up a new hobby or started learning something new? Do you remember the excitement you felt as you dug in, thinking of nothing else? That same feeling is what Paul talks about in this verse. The same wonder you felt when you first heard about the Good News of the Gospel is the same wonder you should carry on. This amazement at the Word of God, and questioning of everything else, should still be at work in your life.

Here, Paul is warning you to stay focused on Christ and not get caught up in the traditions or teachings of this world.

Hebrews 3:1

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.

One of the reasons we need to focus on God more is because of who He is. It is through an understanding of who Jesus is, and what He did, that we can truly put our own lives and thoughts into perspective. Jesus is the apostle – or ambassador – of God, sent to reconcile us to the Father. He is the High Priest who is capable of taking away the sins of the world. Focus on Jesus today by fixing your thoughts on what He has already done for you.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Part of Focusing on God in everything you do includes allowing Him to transform your mind. If you let God renew your mind, your will, and your desires, you’ll find the rest of your life being transformed as well.

Verses to help you focus on God and not this world

It can be difficult to focus on God when this world has so many distractions – both good and bad. Here are a few verses to help you navigate putting God first.

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Instead of going straight into worrying about the things of this world, find ways to prioritize putting God first. Maybe read your Bible and spend time in prayer first thing in the morning. You could build in a midday coffee and Jesus break or go for an evening “walk and talk” with the creator.

1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

This verse is a great reminder that the things of this world are temporary. We spend so much time, attention, and energy on things that don’t matter. Instead, we should keep our focus on God and not the things of this world.

Galatians 5:19-24

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factionsand envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Here, Paul gives a great reminder of the things we should not be focusing on, as well as the things that we should focus on. If you are honest with yourself, how many of the “acts of the flesh” do you find your mind wandering to? How many of the “acts of the spirit” do you think about regularly? Take some time today to re-orient your mind towards the things of God that we are called to focus on.

1 Peter 2:11

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.

This world is not our home (Hebrews 13:14), and although we are called to live in it and be a good example to others, we need to remember that we are foreigners here. Our culture is not the culture of the world, and because of this, we should not be focused on what the world is focused on.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

What an amazing list of things we are called to focus on! Take some time to think through this list and what each individual quality looks like.

Focus on Christ — These 31 verses will help you focus on God

Verses to help you focus on God by drawing near to Him

Focusing on God is useless if you don’t allow it to draw you closer to Him. Here are some verses that explain how and why we should draw near to God.

Hebrews 10:22-23

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Drawing near to God mean coming with confidence that He hears us and cares for us. God isn’t a far off ruler who couldn’t care less about his subjects, but a loving kind who wants to know the inner workings of your life and your heart’s desires.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God chose to come down and live among His people, first with His cloud of glory that settled among the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness, then as the Son who made His home among His earthly family. Now God dwells inside us as the Holy Spirit, guiding us and helping us live lives worthy of the calling we have received in Him.

Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

What would it look like to dwell in the house of the Lord? You can find out today by spending time with God, reading His Word, talking to Him in prayer, and fellowshipping with other believers.

Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Take time to spend with God. Get to know Him and who He is through His word. Place your trust in Him because of His faithfulness in the Part and His promises for your future.

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord.”

Devote yourself to seeking God. Make it your life’s calling to get to know him better and make Him known to others.

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

If you are going to seek God, don’t just do it haphazardly, when it works for you. Do it with your whole heart. If you are going to giver yourself to God, jump in with no restrictions.

Verses to help you focus on God because of who He is

We are called to focus on God because of who He is. He is the creator of the world. He is where our help and salvation come from. These verses will help you focus on God by helping you understand His qualities.

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Before you can truly experience the qualities and characteristics of God, you need to understand that He is above all. We are not to focus on the things of this world – the temporary things we talked about earlier – but the things above. Focus on God, His eternal qualities and divine nature (Romans 1:20).

Romans 8:5

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Once again, are you living a life filled with the Spirit or a life filled with your own desires? To truly focus on God means to live in accordance with His word and the things you find in Bible verses.

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Here, God is telling you that His thoughts are completely different than yours. That is why it is so important to focus on Him and His word, allowing yourself to be renewed by the transformation of your mind. You cannot keep doing the same things you have been doing and expect different results. You need to go to God and ask Him to give you His mind – His heart for His people – that you may start to see and act as He does.

2 Corinthians 4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

This verse that helps you focus on God is an important reminder that most of the things we stress about have no lasting importance. Instead of spending energy worrying about what doesn’t matter, choose to devote yourself to finding out what does matter.

Hebrews 12:2

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, is the one you should be focusing on because of what he did for you on the cross. He took your sins upon Himself, taking your punishment so that you could have a relationship with the Father. He then rose from the dead, and now He sits at the right hand of the Father, mediating for you.

Colossians 3:1

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Because you have been raised with Christ, you have been washed clean by His sacrifice. If you are in Christ, then you are a new creation. Your old self is gone (2 Corinthians 5:17). Because of this, you should not live the same life you were living before Christ, because you should have crucified that life. Setting your mind on things above is key to living a transformed life.

Colossians 3:1 — Are you focused on the things above?

Verses to help you focus on God and His Word

The best way to learn how to focus on God is through His word and reading various Bible verses. These passages listed below offer a good starting point for realizing the importance of the Word of God.

Psalm 1:1-2

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Instead of spending time on things that don’t matter, or even worse, can cause you to sin, spend time delighting in the Word of God. This Bible Study on Genesis is a good place to start if you are looking to get into regularly reading God’s word.

Psalm 18:30

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

One of the ways God is able to shield all who take refuge in Him is by transforming their minds when they spend time in His word. The perfect word of the Lord will not return to Him void. So He will use what you have read and learned to help keep your focus on Him all throughout the day.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

This may be may favorite aspect of God’s word! The Bible is such a dynamic book with never-ending wisdom for daily living. It is a compilation of many letters, narratives, and prophesies, written over hundreds of years to different people, and yet, it is still applicable today!

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

The Word of God is useful for so many things. On top of learning more about God and who He is, His word teaches us how to live and love. It teaches us how to selflessly put others above ourselves and how to care for those we would not normally choose to.

Psalm 119:97

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

How many of us can actually say that we meditate – that we think about – God’s word all day long. But if we want to focus on God in everything we do, this is one of the best verses for us to consider. Thinking about God’s word is a great start to renewing our minds and transforming our lives.

best verses for focus — Which verses help you focus on God?

Verses to help you focus on God through your actions

Focusing on God would be useless if we did not allow Him to transform our lives. These verses help us see how our actions can change as we focus on God and His word.

Matthew 15:8

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

It is easy to say we are Christians – to go to church, read our bibles, and even offer up prayers, without actually letting God rule in our lives. Take some time to see if you have really given all of yourself to God or if you are holding a part of yourself back from Him. Remember, he wants you – all of you.

Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

So often, we only say what we think God wants us to say. We hold back from really giving Him our whole heart – all of the hurt, anger, and pain – because we think it would be “unchristian” of us to give it to God. Here, David encourages us to do just that.

Related post: My Soul Finds Rest In God Alone

Psalm 19:14

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

This is a humble plea of David, acknowledging that it is not only the actions of a man that determine His faithfulness to God but also his thoughts. The reason is that your thoughts determine your actions, and what is in your heart determines how you live your life. In order to be transformed in how you live, you must first be transformed in how you think. This is one of the reasons focusing on God is so important.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

If you want to focus on God in everything, you need to surrender everything you do to Him. This doesn’t mean you should stop caring about what you do, but that you should do everything for the glory of God. Trust in Him that if you devote your life to Him, He will establish your plans and give you more than your could ever hope or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

How to use these verses to focus on God

These verses can help you focus on God by shifting your mindset to align with God’s will for your life. By not merely listening to the Word, but doing what it says (James 1:22), your life will be transformed so that focusing on God become more of a second nature to you.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

When you are focused on God, the things of this world will not cause you so much stress because you know that He holds tomorrow. By reading the Bible and understanding what God says, you will see that he has plans for you and he cares for you.

Reflect on these verses that help you focus on God

Which verse did you most resonate with and why? Write the verse down and take it with you wherever you go. Strive to memorize it as you meditate it and allow it to transform you. Dig deeper into the verse, exploring its context and how you can apply it to your life.

This post was all about the best Bible verses to help you focus on God!

Choosing Faith Over Feelings: Navigating the Challenge of Going to Church When You Don’t Feel Like It

Filed Under: Christian living // April 23, 2024

This blog post is all about navigating the challenge of going to church when you don’t feel like it.

So another Sunday has passed you by and you find yourself wondering about church. You think you should be going regularly, but church just doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’ve been faithfully attending every Sunday, but you aren’t able to connect with the Worship or the Message, or even the people.

Or maybe you find yourself only going every once in a while, as long as there isn’t anything else more important. Perhaps you haven’t entered the doors of the church in years (did covid close the doors on you?). But for some reason you’ve been feeling the nudge to go recently.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Whatever the case may be, you are wondering how to navigate the challenge of going to church when you don’t feel like it.

Childlike faith

Do you remember the carefree days of childhood? When you could frolic through fields all morning long without a care in the world, knowing that when you were done you would get a yummy snack and a cozy nap?

Do you remember the childlike faith you once had, when going to church was a joy and delight as it meant you got to see your friends and praise God with others?

What happened to the days when church was easy? When you didn’t have to worry about what everyone would think of your ripped jeans? When you didn’t have to endure the awkward “shake a friends hand right next to you before we continue singing”? What happened to being sure of your theological beliefs?

This post will help you work through the questions you may have when considering if going to church is really worth it. It will also discuss what the point of church is. As well as how to know if you are going to a good one.

Why going to church is important despite feelings

For many Christians, church is a place filled with anxiety and uncomfortability. But that’s not how it’s supposed to be. Church is meant to be a place of mutual encouragement for growing in the faith. It is designed to be a place where you can go for prayer and healing, support and accountability, friendship and fellowship. The Bible encourages meeting together regularly with fellow believers.

Hebrews 10:23-25 tells us “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. But encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

One of the main benefits of going to church is to surround yourself with other believers who can encourage you in the faith when you need it, and you can do the same for others. Meeting together is vitally important for the Christian walk. It gives you the oppurtunity to have others to pick you up when you fall (Ecclesiastes 4:12), point out when you are going astray (James 5:13-16), and encourage you when you are running the race well (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Prioritizing church over other obligations

Often, Sunday roles around and we find it difficult going to church because we have other things to do. Maybe you had a long Saturday, and now you need to rest and stay in bed on Sunday. Or maybe the weather is perfect for going to the beach this Sunday. Perhaps your children are in sports and their games take you away every Sunday.

Whatever the case may be, Church should be prioritized over any other obligation or activity you may find. Why? You may be wondering. Church should be a priority because it is the body of Christ here on earth. It is the bride of Christ in Heaven. We know that God has called us to fellowship with other believers, and attending service is an amazing way to do that. On Sundays, we gather to worship the King of Kings. We hear His message and truth preached, and commune with fellow believers.

Although there may be a few obstacles to getting yourself and you family in the doors every Sunday, if you can get yourself into this spiritual discipline, you will find yourself encouraged.

Definition of church and historical context

The church is a dedicated building and meeting spot for Christian believers to gather to worship God and encourage one another in the faith. It has been around for around 2000 years. And although churches have looked different in different centuries, they hold the same purpose: spreading the good news of the Gospel.

Perhaps the best picture of an early church is found in Acts 2:42-47 where the believers met and devoted themselves to the apostles teaching – to hearing, learning, and obeying the Word of God. They broke bread with one another – which was a sign of fellowship and living live engaged with each other. They gave to those in need and took care of one another.

This is what being the hands and feet of Christ looks like: Studying the Word with other believers, digging into it and asking questions. Praying for each other. Getting to know one another – all of the struggles, hopes and fears that we all have.

Benefits of regular church attendance: Spiritual growth, community and accountability

The early Christians prioritized church because they knew of its great benefits. The first benefit to regular and involved attendance is spiritual growth. When you commit to hearing the Word of God through each weeks sermons, you will be surprised to hear what God has to say to you through His teachers and Pastors. There is also spiritual growth to be had when you open yourself up to the teaching, reproof, and correction of other believers. Christians who know the word of God and walk alongside of you will know how to speak life into you and offer correction when your actions stray from what God teaches.

This is because there is great community support when you are actively engaged in your local church community. These are all people who may not be on the same walk of life as you at the same time, but you will still find that you share so much in common as you all realize your need for a savior.

There is also accountability for believers attending the same congregation because these people have walked alongside you and know your struggles. They will know when you are struggling with sin and help you walk through it. Your fellow believers will know when you need prayer in an area of your life. They will know when you may need physical or emotional support walking through different seasons and offer it.

Exploring the conflict: faith over feelings

With all of these benefits of church attendance, what’s the big deal? Why is it still so hard to get your butt off the couch and into the pew every Sunday?

Defining faith and feelings

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. The chapter, which is known as the “hall of faith” gives numerous Old Testament examples of people who chose faith over feelings and did what God called them to do.

Webster dictionary describes feelings as “an emotional state or reaction.” Feelings are not pre-determined commitment based on what we know is right. They are fleeting emotions based on current circumstances.

Has there ever been a time in your life where you did not feel like doing something, but forced yourself to do it anyways and were glad you did? The same is true for attending church. There are many Sunday’s where I do not FEEL like going. But I do anyways, and I am always glad that I did.

Examining the tension between faith and feelings

If you notice that there seems to be a pattern in your life of why you don’t feel like going to church Sunday after Sunday, then examine that reason. Some of the common reasons for not feeling like attending church include busyness, burnout, doubts or struggles, and disappointment or hurt.

church attendance — Do you struggle with one of these reasons?

Busyness

A common reason for not feeling like going to Church is busyness. As a society, we have jam-packed our schedules so tightly that there never seems to be time to do anything else, let alone relax.

Maybe it is time to take some things off of your over-full schedule so that you have time to rest in God and spend time in community with others. You might be surprised at how much going to church benefits you weekly life.

Burnout

Another common reason for not feeling like attending is you are just burnt out. Maybe you’ve been a church goer your entire life and have volunteered for a different position every time the doors are open. After years of that, it can be exhausting. Maybe you are in a tiring season right now of taking care of young kids or aging parents and you don’t have energy to give to anyone else. That’s okay! You are allowed to step down from your positions for awhile. There is a popular statistic out there that says that 20% of church-goers are doing 80% of the work. Stepping down and allowing a season of rest in your life will allow others to step up and fill those positions.

Doubts or Struggles

Maybe you have doubts about the accuracy of the Bible or your faith. So you feel like an imposter for going to church. Or maybe you are struggling with sin in your life or there are questions you are wrestling with. Whatever the case, church is actually the place for you! The Bible encourages us to work through those doubts and questions, and what better place to be that in a Bible-believing church surrounded by strong, theologically minded christians.

Disappointment or Hurt

Maybe you absolutely loved attending church until you experienced some disappointment for leadership or hurt by other congregants. If that is the case for you, I am truly sorry. I can tell you that I have been there and it left me questioning if I really wanted to continue attending a place of broken individuals.

Over time, I came to the realization that Christians are still flawed humans that are doing their best to live out the words of God, and I wanted to be right there with them. It is possible that the church that hurt you is not the right place for you anymore. If they have sinned against God and you and are unwilling or unable to reconcile what was wronged, then I encourage you to find another church who strives to hold up to Biblical teachings.

When the church doesn’t feel right

There are some times that the church itself doesn’t feel right. The Bible encourages us to test everything we hear against scriptures (1 John 4:1-6). If your church doesn’t feel right to you because the message they preach is against the Word of God, then leave and find a church that is Bible believing.

Another Gospel by Alisa Childers is a great resource if you are struggling through Biblical beliefs. Misled by Allen Parr is another great book which actually takes you through a fictional character as he is looking for a church to call home.

Cultivating a deeper understanding of faith

Although going to church is an important spiritual discipline, even more important is cultivating a deeper understanding of faith, and how it applies to everyday life. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says “we walk by faith, not by sight.” But what does that mean?

In order to walk by faith, it isn’t enough to just believe in God. James 2:19 says that “even the demons believe there is one God, and they tremble in fear.” Walking by faith means knowing the Word of God and following it. Not because you are afraid to encounter His wrath, but because you desire to please Him out of love. After all, “we love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Grounding in theological truths

The first step in walking by faith is being grounded in theological truths. Although this may sound boring or even confusing at first, it is really quite simple. All you need to do is be in the Word of God, seeking to know the original meaning of the text. One of the best ways to faithfully read the scriptures is to read a commentary or Bible study along side your daily Bible reading.

When reading your Bible, always make sure you are not reading it to make it agree with your own current beliefs. Instead, allow the text to challenge you. After all, it is “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is meant to judge YOUR thoughts and attitudes. Often, if you find yourself wrestling with a passage, it is the Holy spirit working in you to reveal truth.

Focusing on the bigger picture

Part of the reason churches do not feel worthwhile to attend is because they are not preaching the word of God. They may use a couple verses in their sermons, but take them out of context, using them to fit their own agendas. Or maybe they just “water-down” the scriptures to make them more palatable and seeker friendly. Either way, they only way for you to discern if the church is preaching the gospel message is to read the Bible for yourself and test everything you hear.

In Biblical times, there was a group of jews that did exactly that. They heard a message about God and they went back to the scriptures (which would have been the Old Testament) to see if it lined up. These Berean Jews not only tested the scriptures to see if they lined up with the word of God, but they eagerly received the message (Acts 17:11). They were so hungry for God and His Word that they looked forward to hearing more!

Practical strategies for enjoying church

Just like the Berean Jews, we should eagerly desire to hear the word of God. We should test the message that people give against the scriptures, and live it out. But it can be overwhelming and tiring in todays age to find joy in going to church. Here are a few tips to help you overcome your negative feelings and choose to live faithfully.

going to church regularly — Going to church can be difficult, but these tips can help you overcome the hurdle.

Establishing a routine

Practically speaking, establishing a routine is one of the best ways to get your family in the doors Sunday morning. A good morning routine always starts the night before, and that’s why you should make preparations beginning on Saturday. This step goes back to examining the “why” behind the difficulty in getting to church. If it is because your Saturday is too jam-packed, what can you say “no” to.

Maybe you can’t seem to get your family dressed and out the door. Lay out the clothes the night before and decide on an easy, go-to breakfast that doesn’t take much effort. It can also be helpful to plan Sunday lunch before hand as well. My family favorite is chicken and waffles! It’s quick, easy, and company always loves it after the service.

Finding Meaning and Purpose in Church Attendance

Church attendance will continue to be a drag for you if you can’t seem to find the meaning and purpose behind it. Take some time to prayerfully consider what God calls us to meet together (Hebrews 10:25). Study the Bible and see if you can find some benefits of regularly meeting with other Christians and studying God’s word together.

Rediscovering the purpose of church gatherings

Aside from just attending to church, consider getting involved in the other services they offer. Are you in an active Sunday school group? This is a great place to engage with believers on a deeper and more personal level, building friendships along the way. Are there Wednesday night small groups or family fun nights that you could be enjoying? Maybe your church offers summer picnics that you haven’t gotten the gumption to go to yet. Consider trying them out as a new way to build community!

Embracing the role of community in spiritual growth

Why do you need to build community, you may be wondering? Community is one of the best ways for spiritual growth! When you are in community with other believers, not only are you less likely to experience loneliness, but you are able to build life-long friendships, both for yourself and your family. Some of my best friends today are my church friends from when I was a kid.

Community also allows you to have accountability for your own personal growth. Whether it be reading the Bible and doing weekly Bible studies, or allowing others to see your daily struggles so they can encourage you. There are so many benefits to building community in your local church, especially when it comes to spiritual growth.

Understanding the significance of commitment and perseverance

I get it, church is not always that exciting. There may be a few weeks that go by where you wonder about the merit of going to church and if it really makes any difference. But I must encourage you to stay strong and continue going anyways. Most of the benefits of attendance only come after a season of committing yourself to going no matter what. It takes time to build good relationships and community. So continue to show up week after week and push yourself to get involved in your local body of believers! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed in the end.

Final thoughts

The journey of faith and church attendance can be a complex one. It is often entangled with feelings of doubt, busyness, or disappointment. Yet, despite these challenges, there remains a call to embrace a childlike faith – a faith that finds joy in the fellowship of believers and the worship of God, much like the carefree days of youth.

While feelings often fluctuate and obstacles will arise, the importance of prioritizing church over other obligations remains steadfast. It is within the community of believers that we find support, encouragement, and accountability for our spiritual growth.

Navigating the tension between faith and feelings requires introspection and commitment. It involves rediscovering the purpose of church gatherings. Embracing the role of community in spiritual growth, and understanding the significance of commitment and perseverance.

Ultimately, as you cultivate a deeper understanding of faith and anchor yourself in theological truths, you will find fulfillment and meaning in church attendance. So, press on, dear reader, embrace the journey with faith, perseverance, and a childlike wonder for the joy that awaits you in the fellowship of believers.

As you navigate your journey of choosing faith, remember God’s promise “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them”‘ (Matthew 18:20).

This blog post was all about choosing faith over feelings by going to church even when you don’t feel like it.

My Soul finds rest in God alone | the eye-opening truth

Filed Under: Christian living // April 9, 2024

This Bible study is all about what it means when your soul finds rest in God alone.

Have you ever heard the phrase “my soul finds rest in God alone” and wondered where it came from? Or maybe you heard that and wanted to know what it would feel like to have your soul truly find rest in God. If you are like most of us, you’re tired of always hurrying along to the next thing, tired of being exhausted when you wake up in the morning, and tired of living in the mundane of life.

Related post: Finding rest in God through slow living

It is easy to get tired of living in this world, but God promises a different way of living. David was a man who was tired of being chased by his enemies and would have loved to get a moment’s rest. Yet, despite being on the run and fighting for his survival, he found that his soul could rest in God, and in God alone.

my soul finds rest in God alone — Does your soul go to God when it longs to find rest?

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

In a moment, we will explore David’s words in an in-depth look at Psalms 62, but before you read the Psalm, take a second to think about what it would be like to have a soul that finds rest in God alone.

What it looks like for your soul to find rest in God

Finding rest in God is being firmly rooted in Him, knowing that He alone can provide comfort, strength, and guidance for all of life’s challenges. You can rest in God because you know that all of your worries, fears, and burdens are surrendered to Him. Allowing your soul to find rest in Him emphasizes the importance of trust, faith and reliance on God’s provisions and grace, regardless of your external circumstances.

David was to find rest in God alone, and He shares how you can too!

Psalm 62

This is a Psalm that was written during the time that David’s son, Absalom, was trying to kill him so that he could get the throne. Despite the troubles that David was facing, he was able to proclaim that his soul “finds rest in God alone.” David did not ignore the problems he was facing, rather, he gave them to God and put his trust in Him fully.

Why your Soul finds rest in God alone (V. 1-2)

Truly my soul finds rest in God

David opens up the Psalm with the word “truly.” This Hebrew word, אַךְ (‘aḵ), is often used as an emphasizer to what follows, and is often translated as “surly,” “indeed,” and “only.” The fact that this word is repeated six times in this short psalm paints the picture that David has really had time to think about and evaluate his life. He has reflected on where his help comes from. David knows that rest can only be found in God. He is confident of what he is saying, and thus begins this Psalm: Truly, my soul finds rest in God.

Here is the theme of this Psalm: a soul which finds rest in God alone. The Hebrews gives us the picture of someone who waits silently on God. Maybe they are so distressed that they cannot find the words they need to communicate their feelings. Or maybe they have spoken over and over the troubles they are facing and collapse in complete exhaustion, having nothing left to be said. Either way, they find rest in waiting on God in total surrender. They are silent before His throne, enjoying the peace of His presence.

Related post: How to stay faithful while waiting on God

Resting in His character

In this section, David also acknowledges the characteristics of God. The God we serve is a rock and a fortress: He offers protection from all of our troubles. He is our salvation. Not only did David realize that this was his God, but he identified himself with those attributes. By saying “I” and “my” before each name he gave to God, David was saying that it was not enough for him to know that God was those things. Instead, David laid claim to them, stating “this is MY God.” “This is who I serve.” David knew that God is a personal and relational God, and he identified himself as being a child of God, protected under His blessings.

soul finds rest in God's character — Do you know the character of God?

Because of who God is, David knew that he would not be shaken. Though different trials would come against him, he knew that there was nothing that could separate him from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

Reflect on why your soul finds rest in God

Are you facing circumstances right now that you don’t know how you will get out of (Matthew 10:28-31)? What does the Bible say about where your trust is found (Proverbs 3:5-6)? Where is your refuge (Psalm 9:9)? Where do you find your stability (Psalm 37:23-24)? What attributes of God do you identify with (Psalm 18:2)?

Trusting in God through difficult times (V. 3-4)

Even though David knows that his salvation is found in God, he still has enemies. David does not ignore the problems that he is facing. He challenges them head-on. Here, he asks the question of “how long?”. His son has been pursuing him to get the throne. How long will this go on? He doesn’t know where he can safely go. How long will this continue?

Have you ever felt that way? Have you been stuck in a situation that doesn’t seem to end, and you ask yourself “How much longer will I have to endure this?” There is nothing wrong with feeling those emotions, and there is nothing wrong with crying out to God with your pain. David did. But David didn’t allow himself to stay in that pain. He leaned on God, his hope and salvation.

Here, David asks the question of “how long” knowing that God had already won the battle. He almost asked in bewilderment because he knew that the battle was already won.

The Pulpit Commentary says it like this: “They have no other thought but this – to cast me down from my high station. While I have no other thought but to trust in God, and to look to him for support and protection.” David could say that his soul finds rest in God because he looked only to God for protection.

Reflect on trusting in God through difficult times

Do you know that God hears you when you call out to Him (Psalm 4:1-3)? Where do you look for protection (Isaiah 41:10)? Who do you turn to when you are in trouble (Psalm 46:1)?

Growing confidence when your soul finds rest in God alone (V. 5-7)

Again, David repeats the line that his soul finds rest in God alone. But here there is one small difference. At the beginning of this Psalm, David was speaking in the present tense. He said, “Truly, my soul finds rest in God alone.” In this section, David is speaking to his soul, commanding it to find rest in God. Here, he is reminding himself to remain in a place of quiet surrender to God.

It is not enough to passively wait on God, being content that your faith in the past will get you through present and future struggles. Faith must be active. We must continuously remind ourselves where our hope comes from. We need to actively pursue God and find our rest in Him.

Related post: How to be still before God

Perhaps this is why David replaces “salvation” in V. 1 with “hope” in V. 5. The God who promised salvation in the past is the same God who we hope in for the future, eagerly expecting to see His promises fulfilled.

Another small difference between this section and the beginning is the growing confidence David displays in the fact that he will not be shaken. In V. 2, David writes that he will not be greatly moved. No matter what his enemies may do to him, he will remain steady. In V. 6, he writes that he will not be moved. The small modifier “greatly” is missing in the repeated refrain as David grows more secure in the presence of God.

Reflect on growing confidence when your soul finds rest in God

Do you need to remind yourself that your soul finds rest in God alone (Lamentations 3:21-23)? What is your response to finding your hope in God alone (Psalm 95:1)? Where is your confidence (Jeremiah 17:7)?

God is trustworthy (V. 8)

After repeating that his soul finds rest in God alone, David turns his reflections onto others. He exhorts us to trust in God at all times because he has found God trustworthy in his own life. Because David has experienced the protection, peace, and rest that can only come from God, he wants to share that with others.

David also encourages us to pour our hearts out to God. God does not just want our praise and adoration, but he also desires to be the one we run to with our pain and suffering. David was a man after God’s own heart who went to Him with everything. That is why he encourages us to bring our joys and sorrows, fears, doubt, trust to God, letting all of our emotions flow our as water before Him. God cares about you and wants you to share every part of yourself with Him.

Reflect on the trustworthiness of God in your own life

How do you know that God is trustworthy among current troubles (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)? Do you pour out yourself to God (Psalm 42:4)?

The frailty of man (V. 9-10)

Now David reflects on why it is important to trust in God alone. He says that men with little resources are but a breath – they are here today and gone tomorrow. But men with vast resources are a lie – they may promise you the world, yet they have no intention of following through. The one person who is worthy of having our trust is God. What He promises, He will deliver. The lowborn and the highborn; they are nothing. They have no substance worthy of trust. Only God has proven Himself over and over as one who can be trusted.

Soul finds rest in God’s power and mercy (V. 11-12)

Finally, David closed his Psalm with two great attributes of God: His power and loving-kindness. David knew that all power belonged to God, so he did not try to look for it elsewhere. God alone has the power to save. He alone has all power over life and death. But God is so much more than jut his power, which is why David also speaks of his mercy.

hesed — How have you experienced God’s loving-kindness?

The word for mercy in this verse is חֶסֶד (ḥeseḏ), and it’s used to describe God’s extended favor on us. This is his loving-kindness, His mercy, goodness, and faithfulness for those who are undeserving. It is His covenant-keeping and steadfast love for His children.

Reflect on finding rest in God’s power and mercy

Who is the source of your strength (Psalm 27:1)? How do you see God’s power (Psalm 147:4-5)? Where have you seen God’s loving-kindness (Exodus 34:6)?

How your soul can find rest in God today

Hopefully you’ve now discovered what king David discovered so long ago: the profound truth that our soul finds rest in God alone. In a world filled with chaos, uncertainties, and relentless pursuits, it’s easy to become weary and burdened. Yet, like David, we’re invited to find solace and tranquility in the steadfast presence of our Creator.

Please do not merely contemplate this truth, but actively embrace it in your daily life. Anytime you start to feel overwhelmed, go to God and seek His peace and rest. Take time to reflect on this Psalm. Pause, pray, and surrender all you are to the One who offers unwavering refuge and peace. Embrace the reality that true rest is found not in fleeting circumstances or human endeavors but in the enduring love and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

As you go about your days, echo David’s declaration. Commanding your soul to find rest in God amidst life’s storms. Daily choose to trust, to abide, and to find your ultimate rest in God alone.

If you’ve enjoyed this Bible study on what it means when your soul finds rest in God alone, you may enjoy listening to Psalm 62 hymn by Stuart Townsend and Aaron Keyes, and Only in God by Laura Huval.

31 of the best scriptures on joy

Filed Under: Christian living // March 14, 2024

This post is all about the best scriptures on joy and how you can apply them to your life today.

We all long to experience joy. But for so many of us, joy seems to pass us by as we go about our day-to-day lives. If you would like to live simply in the joy that God promises to you, here are 31 of the best scriptures to help you capture that joy!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Joy can be found in scriptures

When you are looking for joy in your life, the first place you should go is to God. He is the giver of all joy. There are many ways to experience joy through Christ: praying and talking to Him is a good place to start. Reading His word will also help you experience joy as you find out more about His character and glory. Here is a list of some of the best scriptures on joy to help you experience it in its fullness.

Best scriptures on joy in God’s presence

Psalm 16:11

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.

One of the benefits of having the Lord always before you and being in His presence is that you will experience His joy and His peace that surpasses all understanding. When you are in the presence of God, you can experience joy because you have confidence in your relationship with Him.

John 15:11

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

In this chapter, Jesus is talking to His disciples and instructing them to remain in His love by keeping His commands. You cannot experience true joy apart from the love of God, and you cannot fully experience the love and freedom that God gives if you are not obeying His commands. Here, Jesus is saying that just as God loves His son, so He also loves you. Because of this, you can experience complete joy in Christ.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Joy in Galatians — Does your life show the joy of the Lord?

In this passage, Paul contrasts life lived by the flesh and sinful desires with a life lived in accordance with the Holy Spirit and God’s will. When you are living in God’s presence and following His commands, He promises that He will give you the “fruits of the Spirit” which include His joy.

Acts 2:28

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.

Acts 2 occurs when the Holy Spirit comes to rest on all those gathered and worshiping at Pentecost. Here there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and everyone gathered is in the presence of God. Here, Peter is talking and quoting from Psalms 16:8-11 where David expressed his confidence in God’s provision and protection even while faced with death. In the same way, we as Christians have this same joy rooted in Christ when we are in His presence.

Reflect on these scriptures on joy in God’s presence

Here are just a few of the scriptures that talk about the joy you can experience in God’s presence. God loves you and desires to have an intimate relationship with you, filling you with complete joy and inexpressible peace.

How have you experienced joy in God’s presence? Do you find it easiest to be in God’s presence when praying or reading the scriptures? How can you grow in your relationship with God today?

Best scriptures on joy in worship and praise

Psalm 100:1-2

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Psalm 100 calls on all people to worship God with thanksgiving and gladness. As a believer, you are called to approach the throne of God with Joy and gladness in His presence. Worship is not only a duty to be performed, but a heart posture and joyful response to God’s faithfulness and provision.

Psalm 47:1

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

joy-filled life in the psalms — How do you show Joy through praise and worship?

Here is another psalm of praise and thanksgiving to God, encouraging all believers to God before God in worship for all He has done. The imagery of clapping hands and shouting with joy conveys a sense of exuberant celebration and enthusiastic worship. This call to worship can only be completed when you are experiencing the full and complete joy that God gives.

Psalm 98:4

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.

Psalm 98 is a celebration of God’s victory and salvation, it opens with the words “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.” There is so much joy to be found in the new things God is doing in your life, and you are called to express that through jubilant worship to the Creator.

Psalm 118:24

The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

As a believer, you can have confidence in God’s steadfast love and His deliverance given to you to overcome adversaries. There is joy in the salvation given by God. You have reason to rejoice because of the new day and new mercies extended to you through the grace of God.

1 Chronicles 16:31

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

Here, a command is given to praise the Lord. Believers are to declare among all the nations that God reigns. In response to His supremacy, Christians are to have an attitude of gladness and thanksgiving. This verse is a reminder that your joy is rooted in the knowledge of God’s kingship and His steadfast love for His people.

Reflect on these scriptures on joy in worship and praise

There are countless scriptures on joy that command praise and worship with thanksgiving because of all that God has done and continues to do. These verses challenge believers to cultivate an attitude of Joy regardless of circumstances. God is faithful and because of that, you have a reason to sing!

Do you worship God with thanksgiving and gladness? Does your joy come from the Lord and all He has done? How can you worship God today?

Best scriptures on joy in trials and suffering

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Joy in James — Do you experience pure joy when faced with trials?

James is a difficult passage because it tells believers to consider whatever trials they face as pure joy. Instead of being discouraged or despaired because of trials, James gives the reminder that these trials are an opportunity for spiritual growth. There is a purpose to the trials that you face: they produce perseverance and endurance while you experience joy.

Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The book of Nehemiah takes place after the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, and are now trying to rebuild the Jerusalem walls. Here, the Israelites are gathered together from morning until noon to hear and learn the words of God’s perfect law. During this time, Nehemiah urges the Israelites not to mourn or grieve their struggles, but rather find joy in the Lord and in His provision.

Psalm 5:11

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

During this Psalm, David is crying out to God to give him rest from His enemies. Here, David is acknowledging that he knows that God is faithful and gives protection to His people so that they can rejoice. David is real with God about how his circumstances are hard, but he does not allow himself to linger in a place of bitterness or self-pity. Rather, he turns his focus to the God who saves and finds joy.

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Job is a man who lost everything – his wife, children, source of income – and is living without any of the comforts he once knew. Here, his friend Bildad is encouraging him with the truth that there is hope for believers because of God’s justice and faithfulness. Bildad’s words remind believers that even in times of suffering and hardship, there is hope for joy and restoration in God.

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Once again, the Psalmist is crying out to God for help and deliverance. Here, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness and find refuge in His presence, while giving back worship and praise to the only one who is worthy. Although the psalmist found himself in difficult circumstances, he found peace in God’s refuge, leading to overwhelming and complete joy.

Reflect on these scriptures on joy in trials and suffering

The Psalms are great places to find verses on turning your mourning into joy in the midst of difficult situations. So often, we are faced with obstacles in our life and it is easy to get wrapped up in the unknown of what will happen, but the Psalms show us that it is possible to choose joy.

Are you facing a season in your life where you are filled with fear of the unknown? How can you use scriptures on joy to help you during this time? Are there ways that you can choose to focus on God instead of your circumstances?

Best scriptures on joy in service and obedience

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always,pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Joy in Thessalonians — How can you use scriptures to find joy and rejoice always?

This is one of the best scriptures on joy when considering what it looks like to have joy while being obedient to God. One of the most important things Christians are called to is prayer – communion with God. It is a natural outflow of a relationship with God as it is just talking to Him. Here we also see that rejoicing – or being joyful – is a command from God as well.

Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Part of the freedom that Christians experience is the joy that comes from placing others above yourself. Here, Paul is reminding fellow believers of the importance of loving each other and allowing their service to flow naturally out of that love.

Matthew 20:26-28

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The absolute greatest example we have of what it means to serve others with joy comes from Jesus, who laid down His life so that we might have a relationship with God. We are to follow His example by humbling ourselves so that we also can serve others in whatever way God calls us to. The giver of joy gladly serves others, and it is in our freedom that we choose to do the same.

1 Peter 4:10-11

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

If you are unsure where to begin serving others to experience the joy God offers, then this verse is for you. Here, we are reminded that we can use WHATEVER gift God has given us. God made you uniquely His, with unique gifts and talents. You can use these gifts in serving others and experience the joy that comes with that.

Reflect on these scriptures on joy in service and obedience.

These scriptures on joy demonstrate what it looks like to follow God’s example as dearly loved children and walk in the way he has called us – to serve others with great joy.

How does serving others bring you joy? Is there a specific need for someone that you can meet today? How can you find ways to serve others and experience the Joy that comes with obedience to God?

Best scriptures on joy in fellowship and community

Philippians 4:10

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Part of being in fellowship and community is caring about others’ suffering. Here, Paul is expressing his gratitude that the Philippian church has supported him and remembers him in their prayers. Despite being in difficult circumstances, Paul is grateful and filled with joy because of the faithfulness of friends.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Book of Hebrews addresses Jewish believers who were facing persecution and thus being tempted to revert back to their old religious beliefs. Here, the importance of community and mutual encouragement among believers is highlighted, as they are encouraged to spur one another on toward loving each other through actions and words.

Romans 12:4-5

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Again, the importance of community is emphasized with the imagery that believers are all part of the same body. There is so much joy that can be experienced when you find yourself in a group of like-minded individuals who can encourage you in your faith as you grow closer in your relationships to each other and God.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

A simple command, but one that is often hard to follow is given in this verse. There is joy to be found in encouraging a fellow believer through a difficult circumstance they are going through, especially if it is similar to something your have faced and overcome.

Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

One of the greatest examples of community among believers came after Jesus ascended into heaven and the new Christian church was growing. Here we can see that everyone gave freely – of their own will – to help each other in need. There was daily fellowship and breaking of bread. All this occurred while reading the words of God and establishing new believers in their faith.

Reflect on these scriptures on joy in fellowship and community

There are countless examples of community and the joy that it brings in the scriptures. We are called to be in close fellowship with other believers, and to not give up meeting together.

Are you in fellowship with other believers? Do you have a solid faith community or do you need ot find one? What are some ways that you can grow in your relationships with others?

Best scriptures on joy in hope and future blessings

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

This is perhaps the most simple verse on joy in the entire Bible. The command to find joy in the Lord is not based on circumstances, just like it is not based on the individual person. Everyone is to rejoice. Always. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi, yet it is characterized by themes of contentment, gratitude, and great joy. Paul is not unique: we are called to have the same joy.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

This comes at the end of a long section where Paul is writing about the hope and assurance that believers have in Christ. Here, Paul states a powerful truth about God’s sovereignty and providence. Despite the challenges, trials, and uncertainties that believers may face in life, God is at work in all things for their good. This “good” refers to God’s ultimate purpose of conforming believers to the image of Christ and bringing about their eternal salvation and glory.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joy verses in Romans — Some scriptures speak to the joy found in community.

There is hope when you are in Christ. God is the source of all hope and the Holy Spirit has the power to enable all believers to live in that hope. Because of the hope found in Christ, we have reason for great joy.

Proverbs 10:28

The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

Once again, we are reminded that when we are found in Christ – when we are made right with God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross – there is joy. Plain and simple joy. Complete and full joy are experienced through Christ for all believers, and this is stated throughout the scriptures.

Reflect on these scriptures on joy in hope and future blessings

As Christians, we have hope because we know that nothing on this earth has power greater than the one who gave His life so that we might live. Because of this hope found in scripture, we have joy.

Where does your hope come from? Are you filled with hope or dread for the future? How does hope in Christ lead to joy in your life?

Best scriptures on joy because of the cross

Psalm 31:7

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

Even before the Messiah came, David wrote prophetic words talking about His life and death. But at the writing of this psalm, David was simply praising God because of His unfailing love. This is the same unfailing love for us that sent Jesus as our sacrifice and substitute so that we can rejoice in God’s love.

1 Peter 1:8-9

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Scriptures on joy in 1 Peter — There are so many scriptures that tell us how we can experience joy because of the cross.

Here, Peter is highlighting the deep and abiding love that believers have for Christ (which was commanded in John 15), even though they do not see him. Even though we can not physically see God right now, we have a profound and glorious joy that comes from faith in Him.

Jeremiah 31:13

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah prophesies about the restoration that will take place when Israel is restored to her land after being exiled. Here, God promises that despite their past disobedience and suffering, He will not abandon them. Oh, what joy there is to be had in knowing that God does not forsake us in our disobedience but provides chance and chance of restoration in Christ!

Colossians 2:13-15

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Praise God that He loves us enough to give us countless opportunities to be made alive in Him! We have unparalleled joy because of the life and freedom that God gives us through His son.

Reflect on these scriptures on joy because of the cross

There is joy in the salvation that we have received from Christ. This joy is both in the salvation that we will experience when we die – that will will live eternally in the presence of God. But this joy is also in that salvation that comes from God rescuing us from our own sinful nature and the consequences of sin here on this earth. We have joy in the freedom that comes from God’s law.

Which of these Scriptures on joy do you need to meditate on?

Are there one or two scriptures on joy that stand out to you more than the others? Comment below your favorite and why it was so encouraging to you!

This post was all about the best scripture on joy to help you grow in your relationship with Christ and experience complete joy in His presence.