Full of Joyنموونە

What Is Joy, and Where Can It Be Found?

Welcome to this six-day Bible Plan all about joy. Joy is something that is desperately needed each and every day. Let’s get right down to it and start with two very important questions: What is joy? And where can it be found? 

First of all, joy is something different from happiness. (You’ll learn more about that on days three and four of this Bible Plan.) Joy is something that flows from a deep understanding of who God is, and this understanding causes celebration! Joy is about our spirit. 

Sometimes joy is loud with cheering, shouting, and laughing. But sometimes it’s quiet thanks for an answered prayer. Sometimes we’re so joyful, there are tears. 

Joy is something that can only be fully understood through a deep understanding of God. He is good. He is love. His love never fails. He is with you no matter what. And—He sent Jesus to show us how to abide in love. 

Joy at full volume is a celebration of who God is! Now, watch this verse song video from Jesus’ own words about living out God’s good way and staying in His love. Spoiler alert: It’s the path to living in fullness of joy!

Note: Today’s John 15:10 video used the ESV translation of the Bible. If you’d like to read today’s Bible verses from John chapter 15 in the same version, that might help you remember it better. 

Ask yourself: What’s one thing I’m grateful for about who God is? Hint: See today’s reading from 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Each aspect of love is also an aspect of God—because God is love!  

Challenge yourself: Grab a notebook or a blank journal. If you don’t have either, then grab a few sheets of paper and staple or fold them together. (This is going to become your new gratitude journal. Yes—this is still a Bible Plan about joy. But, you’ll read more on day five about why you’re starting a gratitude journal today.) Lastly, write down today’s date and your answer to the “Ask yourself” question above.

Pray: God, thank You for who You are. The more I learn about You, the more I joy I can have, no matter what else may happen. Help me to remember how good You are and how much You love me. In Jesus’ name, amen.