The Force of Joy: Finding Strength in the Spirit

Discovering Joy in Jesus — Not Just When Life Goes Well 

Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we’re looking at something that not only lifts your mood but also strengthens your soul: the force of joy. 

For a long time, I thought joy was something I could earn—something that would naturally show up once I hit certain milestones. Becoming a medical doctor, buying my first car, getting promoted to consultant—surely then I’d have a heart full of joy, right? 

But here's the truth I learned the hard way: you cannot solve an internal problem with an external, unrelated solution. 

Joy: More Than Just a Feeling 

The world often defines joy as a warm, happy emotion—something we feel when things are going our way. But biblical joy goes far deeper. In fact, joy is not just an emotion at all—joy is a spiritual force. One of the most powerful ones. 

Philippians 4:4 (AMPC) reminds us: "Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!" 

This isn’t a suggestion to feel good only when things are fine. It’s a command, and for good reason: joy empowers us. Like fuel to a fire, joy gives us strength when trials try to snuff out our faith. 

As Nehemiah 8:10 (AMPC) says: "...be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." 

If you were to diagram that verse and take out “of the Lord,” you'd see it plainly: Joy is strength. 

The Strength That Confounds the Enemy 

Imagine facing a battle not with weapons, but with worship. That’s exactly what happened in 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (KJV): 

"And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir... and they were smitten." 

When we rejoice—especially when we don’t feel like it—we invite God into the battle. Joy gives us the strength to laugh at the enemy’s lies and stand firm in faith, knowing we are not alone. 

Joy is staying power. It’s how Paul sang in prison. It’s how you and I can face heartbreak, setbacks, and confusion with a smile anchored in Jesus. 

Why Are Christians So Unhappy? 

Sometimes, unbelievers seem happier than Christians. That shouldn't be. We’ve received the greatest gift ever—eternal life, divine love, and unshakeable peace. 

So why do we walk around joyless? 

Could it be that we’re tired because we’ve forgotten how to rejoice? We’ve placed joy on the backburner, thinking it’s a bonus, not a necessity. 

But James 1:2-4 teaches us to count it all joy—even in trials. Because joy, through the power of the Holy Spirit, builds steadfastness. And that’s what makes us complete and lacking nothing. 

Joy Is Already Inside You 

Here’s the good news: if you have the Holy Spirit, you already have joy. 

It’s a fruit of the Spirit, listed right after love in Galatians 5. But like any fruit, it must be cultivated. We must choose to walk in joy, confess it, develop it, and live by it. 

Psalm 37:4 (AMPC) says: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." 

When we find our delight in God, not in achievements or circumstances, joy begins to overflow—and it’s contagious. 

Living a Joy-Filled Witness 

Our lives are supposed to make faith in Jesus look like the joyful adventure it truly is—not a list of rules, but a journey of deep love and unexplainable joy. 

We are ambassadors of Christ, and that includes radiating His joy even when the world is crumbling. Because when others see us laughing through tears, smiling through storms, and rejoicing in trials, they’ll ask, “What’s your secret?” 

And we’ll say, “It’s Jesus.” 

Be of Good Cheer—No Matter What 

Remember Acts 27? Paul, aboard a sinking ship, told the frightened crew: “Be of good cheer.” 

Imagine their faces: “We’re about to drown, and this guy is telling us to smile?” 

But Paul understood something vital: cheerfulness is a faith cry. It’s how we declare, “God’s got me!” even when things look hopeless. 

Psalm 34:19 tells us: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (KJV) 

So let’s be of good cheer. Not because the waves aren’t real—but because Jesus is greater than the storm. 

Final Thoughts: What’s Holding Back Your Joy? 

The joy of the Lord is available right now. Not when the promotion comes. Not when the pain is gone. Right now. 

The God of the universe sings over you (Zephaniah 3:17). He delights in you. That’s where your joy can begin today. 

So I’ll ask again: What’s holding back your joy? 

Let’s take our stand—not in despair, but in delight. Let’s choose joy. Let’s rejoice, again and again and again. Because there is strength in joy. There is victory in joy. And Jesus—our joy—is with us always.