Full of JoySýnishorn

Why Don’t I Always Feel Happy—Even When I’m Following Jesus? 

Okay, at this stage in the Bible Plan, you might be still scratching your head a little bit. You might have some questions. Maybe you’re not feeling particularly joyful lately. Maybe you wonder if you’re even capable of being a person who is joyful. 

Does it mean you don’t have joy if you feel kind of blah or even downright sad? And will doing something you think of as fun—like getting a milkshake—make you feel joy again?

Joy is complex. It’s not the same as happiness. Watch this video for more on that. 

Milkshakes are fun, but they’re not the key to joy, right? Jesus can give you something more. He will remind you that He’s with you. He can remind you that heaven is near and that the emotions are temporary, but He is good and He is eternal. That’s joy. Joy is based on what’s eternal. Happiness is just an emotion that can fly away as fast as it came. 

So, what’s the source of true, lasting joy? Well, when Jesus was born, an angel announced the event to some shepherds nearby. Do you know what the angel said? He told the shepherds that he had good news that would cause great joy for all people. Jesus is the good news that gives us joy! 

But even Jesus Himself wasn’t known as “Mr. Smiles” when He lived on earth. He was actually called “Man of Sorrows.” But—He had joy. He went to the cross because it gave Him such joy to picture all of us together with Him in heaven one day. You give Jesus joy when you follow Him!

When we follow Jesus, joy is ours. It can’t be taken away. It gives us hope when times are hard. We are filled with joy and peace when we trust in Jesus.

Ask yourself: What’s something I’m thankful for more than milkshakes (or whatever your favorite “cheer me up” thing happens to be)? 

Challenge yourself: You know what to do–grab that gratitude journal. Write down today’s date, then write down your answer to the “Ask yourself” question above.

Pray: God, thank You for helping me to learn that it’s okay not to be happy all the time. Thank You for giving me a range of emotions to help me express and process how I’m feeling. And thank You so much for giving me lasting joy that I can lean on—even when times are hard. You are good. You erased my sins and forgave me through Jesus. You are my Friend. That gives me joy! In Jesus’ name, amen.