Over the past weeks, you’ve been invited to ask yourself some deep questions: Who are you now that so much has changed? What parts of you have been waiting to emerge? What dreams have you silenced that still want to live? What gifts have you undervalued or ignored? What does a fruitful life look like for you now?
Each of these questions opens a doorway into identity, resilience, and faith. They remind you that life is not static — it is a journey of becoming. But as you pause to look back, you may realize that all of these reflections point toward something deeper: joy.
More Than a Feeling
The dictionary defines joy as great happiness or delight. But Scripture shows us that joy is more than a feeling — it is a fruit of the Spirit, a strength that sustains us, and a status rooted in God’s presence. Happiness depends on circumstances; joy depends on God.
From the very beginning, you were created to bring pleasure to your Creator. Revelation 4:11 reminds us: “For you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” When you discover that reality — that your life was designed to give God delight — joy becomes automatic. It flows from alignment with Him, even when challenges surround you.
Joy That Powers You Forward
Nehemiah 8:10 declares: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is not fragile; it is power. It strengthens you to pursue, to continue, to endure. Joy builds resilience. It allows you to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.
Joy is the epitome of finding what you were made for. When you live from that place, joy is not optional — it is inevitable. It becomes the fuel that sustains you.
Building Through Opposition
Nehemiah’s story reminds us that joy is not only personal but also communal. When he returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall, he faced constant opposition — ridicule, threats, and attempts to discourage the work. Yet Nehemiah’s strength was not in his own determination; it was in the joy of the Lord.
When the people grew weary, Nehemiah encouraged them: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This was not a shallow comfort. It was a reminder that joy rooted in God’s presence could sustain them through fatigue, fear, and resistance.
Despite detractors who tried to stop the rebuilding, Nehemiah’s joy gave him resilience. He prayed, he organized, and he pressed forward. Joy became the fuel that allowed him and the people to complete the wall in just fifty‑two days — a feat that astonished their enemies and glorified God.
Nehemiah shows you that joy is not fragile. It is a weapon against discouragement. It is the strength that allows you to keep building, even when voices around you say it cannot be done.
Worship That Produces Joy
David also understood joy deeply. His life was filled with battles, betrayals, and seasons of wilderness. Yet his psalms overflow with joy. He wrote: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
David’s worship produced joy. His songs reminded him that joy was found in God, not in circumstances. Even when surrounded by enemies, he chose to rejoice. His example shows you that joy is not passive — it is cultivated through worship, gratitude, and intimacy with God.
Where I Find Joy
So what brings you joy? Have you allowed yourself to experience it as a core part of your life?
For me, joy begins with my relationship with God — the anchor that steadies me. I find joy in meaningful conversations, the kind where I feel I’ve contributed to something important, something that truly mattered. And on a personal note, I love traveling. Whether it’s driving around my island or exploring another country, I delight in the beauty, the similarities and differences, and the exposure to an unlimited world. Traveling may seem simple, but it creates space where joy can be expressed in real life and real environments.
Yet I realize I haven’t given myself much space to pursue this joy, especially alone. Sometimes fear or hesitation holds me back. But joy calls me to step out, to embrace the experiences that make my heart come alive.
Making Space for Joy
Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is expected that you live your life from a place of joy. But you can also create environments that allow joy to flourish. The onus is on you to find what helps you do that — whether it’s worship, community, travel, or meaningful work.
Joy is not accidental. It is cultivated. It is chosen. And when you choose joy, you create space for resilience, hope, and strength to grow.
Your Turn: Choosing Joy
So I ask you: What brings you joy, and have you allowed yourself to experience it as a core part of your life?
Take a moment this week to write down three things that bring you joy. Notice how they strengthen you, how they remind you of God’s presence, and how they invite you to live resiliently. Joy is not just something you feel — it’s something you cultivate.
Joy is not a luxury. It is part of resilience. It is the fruit of reflection, the gift of faith, and the reminder that life is meant to be lived fully. As you move into this next phase, may you embrace joy not as something fleeting, but as the strength that carries you forward.
This reflection is part of my author journey at Plunkett Writes. You can also follow along on Instagram @plunkettwrites, where I share my writing journey.