Everyone looks for joy, but not everyone finds true joy in the Lord. A trip, a good meal or success at work all bring joy. But we also know that joy does not last. The trip ends, the meal passes, success grows old. The question is: is there a joy that time and circumstances cannot take away?
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.”
– John 10:10 (BSB)
Jesus promises abundant life. That is true joy in the Lord, a joy grounded in Him, so it is not swept away when circumstances change.
Earthly Joy: A Good Gift, But Not Enough
There is nothing wrong with earthly joys. They are good gifts from God. The problem begins when we place the hope of our lives in them instead of in true joy in the Lord. When something temporary is treated as eternal, sooner or later we will be disappointed.
Jesus spoke about this with the woman at the well in Sychar:
“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”
– John 4:14 (BSB)
He was not talking about ordinary drinking water, but about the deep thirst in the human heart, a thirst that only true joy in the Lord can satisfy.
When Unbelievers Are Already Very Happy
With people going through hardship, it is easy to share that God is a source of comfort. But what about people who are satisfied with life? They have good jobs, happy families and fun friends. They do not feel they need anything more, much less think about true joy in the Lord.
The Apostle Paul met people like that in Lystra. He did not start by telling them they were miserable. He simply showed them who stood behind the good things they were enjoying:
“Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”
– Acts 14:17 (BSB)
Three Ways to Share True Joy in the Lord
Way 1: Acknowledge the Joy They Already Have
Instead of dismissing other people’s joy, rejoice with them and gently point to the Giver. Over a good meal, you might say, “I often thank God for meals like this.” When sharing a memorable moment with friends, a natural word of thanks to God is also a testimony.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”
– James 1:17 (BSB)
Way 2: Show That the Gift Leads to the Giver
A child who receives a gift from their parents is very happy. But as they grow up, they understand that what is more precious than the gift is their parents’ love. Earthly joy is the same: small gifts that lead us back to God Himself, the source of all joy.
“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”
– Psalm 16:11 (BSB)
But the Bible also makes clear why people cannot yet rejoice fully before God: sin has separated us from Him. True joy in the Lord is only possible when sin is forgiven through Jesus’ death on the cross.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
– Romans 6:23 (BSB)
Way 3: Tell the Story of Your Own Joy
You do not need to win an argument. Tell your story: where you looked for joy before you knew God, and what changed when you met Him. Tell about the hard times when joy in the Lord still kept you standing. People may disagree with arguments, but it is hard to deny a life transformed by true joy in the Lord.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.”
– John 14:27 (BSB)
True Joy in the Lord Is Eternal Joy
We do not need to convince anyone that their life is bad for them to come to God. Acknowledge the good things they have, help them see the Giver behind those things, and honestly share that sin can be forgiven and eternal joy is found in Jesus. True joy in the Lord does not take away other joys; it puts them in their proper place.
Today, stop and thank God for three small joys in your day. And when the chance comes, tell a friend about the true joy in the Lord that you have.
Lord, thank You that every good thing we have comes from You. Help us find complete joy in You, and help us share that joy with those who do not yet know You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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