Introduction

In a world that often seems filled with endless to-do lists, challenges, and disappointments, it’s easy for joy to slip through our fingers. We tend to think of joy as synonymous with happiness—something that occurs when everything aligns perfectly in our lives. But the Bible speaks of a different kind of joy—the joy of the Lord—which is not dependent on our circumstances. This kind of joy is resilient, lasting through hard times and trials because it’s anchored in something deeper. Today, let’s explore what it means to steal back that kind of joy.

The Joy of the Lord: Not Circumstantial

The joy of the Lord isn’t a fleeting feeling. It isn’t dependent on good news, a successful project, or a happy day. This kind of joy endures because it is based on the eternal nature and promises of God, not on our constantly shifting circumstances. In Psalm 16, David tells us:

The joy that comes from being in God’s presence isn’t about what’s going on around us; it’s about what’s going on inside us—knowing that we belong to Him.

The difference between joy and happiness becomes evident during times of difficulty. Happiness is fleeting, something that ebbs and flows on the shores of our lives based on external factors. Joy, however, is different—it stays rooted in us, even when we walk through hardships. The Apostle Paul reminds us:

Paul endured immense suffering, yet he was able to maintain his joy because he understood that his current struggles were temporary compared to the eternal promises of God.

Another powerful reminder comes from the Prophet Nehemiah:

Joy has a power that goes beyond human resilience—it strengthens us in ways that happiness never can. Joy in God gives us the ability to face challenges head-on because we know we are never alone, and our circumstances are not the end of the story.

The Ultimate Source of Joy

This enduring joy, unlike fleeting happiness, acts as our strong foundation during life’s uncertainties. As followers of Christ, we have every reason to hold onto joy, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges. This joy comes from knowing that, ultimately, our story ends in victory. At the end of all the struggles of this earthly life, there is a beautiful promise waiting for us: eternal life with Jesus. Revelation 21:4 gives us a glimpse of this incredible future:

In that moment, all the sorrows and losses of this life will be overshadowed by the joy of being fully united with our Creator.

Not only will we meet Jesus face-to-face, but we will also be reunited with those we love who have gone before us and who accepted the gift of grace Jesus has offered to us all. For those of us who have lost loved ones, this is a profound source of hope and joy. Imagine being reunited with your friends and family members whose passing you’ve mourned. I like to think our dogs will be there—not entirely sure about cats, but anything’s possible. That’s a discussion for another time. The point is that in heaven, there will no longer be separation, loss, or sorrow. There will be no fear or anxiety, because there will be nothing left to be afraid of or worry about. Sin, in all its forms—hatred, violence, bullying, and political ads—will be absent. What remains will be love, peace, and unending joy.

This kind of joy is what can sustain us here and now. It reminds us to be grateful when good things happen to us. It carries us through the crappy days. We can rejoice because we know how the story ends. Paul writes to his congregation in Rome:

Knowing that there is a glory beyond our current trials gives us the strength to keep moving forward, to smile even when we’re hurting, and to keep sharing love and hope with those around us.

Stealing Back Joy

If you feel like joy has been stolen from you, it’s time to steal it back. Not by chasing after the temporary highs of this world, but by seeking the lasting joy that comes from knowing Jesus. This joy doesn’t ignore pain or pretend everything is perfect—it sits with us in our grief, reminds us that we are not alone, and points us toward a future filled with hope and peace and loved ones and good dogs.

We can cultivate this joy by staying in God’s presence through prayer, worship, and immersing ourselves in His Word. Recall what I referred to from Psalm 16:11 earlier, it’s in His presence that we find fullness of joy. We can also find joy by serving others, by being a light in their dark times, and by sharing the hope we have in Jesus. In doing so, we not only strengthen our own joy, but we help others find theirs too.

No matter what you’re facing today, remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength. Joy is not out of reach. It’s already yours in Christ—sometimes we just need to steal it back from the distractions, anxieties, and struggles that threaten to take it away at every pothole in our life journeys. Let’s live in that joy, let’s share it, and let’s let it be our strength every single day.