How to Develop More Joy

What joy is and where it’s found

What joy is

Many people struggle when it comes to joy, often because they don’t fully understand what joy is, where it comes from, and what to do with it once they find it.[1]

Many people get confused about the difference between joy and happiness too. They are not the same. Joy is much bigger than happiness. While happiness is often dependent on external circumstances, joy is never dependent on external circumstances.[2]

What joy is: joy is a positive human condition that can be either a feeling or an action. As a feeling, joy springs forth from exceptional good-fortune or well-being. As an action, joy can be summoned at anytime regardless of how a person feels - even in the midst of trials, weakness, hardship, trouble, insults, persecution, sorrow, and suffering.[3]

We can have joy at anytime, facing anything.[4]

Where joy is found

The quest for material things rob us of joy. We want to possess things, yet once we possess things they end up possessing us. The things we own end up owning us.[5]

Outward attainments do not bring joy. We must look inside. If we want joy we must get close to, or even into, the thing that has it.[6]

True joy comes from God. It's an always-growing sense of gladness or elation we experience through a developing relationship with God.[7]

There are more than twenty-seven hundred verses in the Scriptures that contain words like joy happiness gladness jubilation feasting blessing and exultation. Your level of joy is important. Once you believe that, you can enter into it.[8]

Entering into this joy is done by drawing near to God. The nearer we draw to God the more His joy embeds itself in us. A life that continually leans into God finds itself at rest in the Lord, in the center of His love, and overflowing with joy.[9]

God wants you to be filled with delight and excitement, to spread love and laughter, and to live with purpose. God wants you to develop into your full potential as a joyful, creative participant in creation.[10]

Certain mindsets and habits lead to the development of joy. Let’s explore those now…

How to develop more joy

Faith

Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God to help him feel good and do good. All attempts here fail, for it is faith in God and God’s presence alone that brings genuine gladness and deep joy.[11]

There are three steps in every faith journey: God always starts with renewing the mind before He revives the emotions and then redirects the will. The first step of renewing the mind is accomplished through reading Scripture, which in turn revives the emotions.[12]

When you learn how much God loves you, a joy from heaven fills you. And when you learn what Jesus did, you become free from guilt and shame. In return you want to bring joy to the One who brought you joy (this is how God redirects the will: through the power of love and freedom).[13]

Through God’s great love for us, we become inspired to love others. We love because He first loved us. We desire to reflect that love and splendor to others. And a cycle begins: joy moves from us to God and from God to us. As we reflect God’s greatness to others, His glory becomes our joy and our joy becomes His joy.[14]

Gratitude

Grateful people are joyful people.[15]

God is pleased when we take time to observe and appreciate creation, and express gratitude for being allowed to be a part of such beauty and amazement. Likewise, expressing appreciation toward others is not only good for the recipient but also the giver, because it releases joy in both.[16]

Joy should be the first thought of everyday - with gratitude for the miracle of life we should say upon arising: this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. And joy should be the last thought of everyday - as we recall the many good things we are given each day of this marvelous life.[17]

To develop more joy, get in the habit of giving thanks from the beginning to end of each day, and all the moments in between.

Humility

At the root of every good quality you will find humilty, while pride (the opposite of humility) is at the root of every kind of evil. Only in the soil of humility will goodness take root in a person, while a lack of humility is at the root of every failure.[18]

Humility does not mean putting oneself down but rather lifting others up. It is not a weak person’s surrender. It is a strong person’s rejection of pride and selfishness, and a determination to be actively concerned with the needs of others.[19]
Humility leads to joy. Embrace it.

Run Your Race

We must be led by the spirit of God if we are to truly enjoy life. We must run the race He has set for us. We cannot be led or controlled by family friends or anyone else.[20]

Because God loves you and accepts you, you do not have to do things just to build up a resumé to look good. You can do things for the joy of doing them. You can help people for the joy of helping them.[21]

Whatever your present situation is in life, whatever God has put in your heart to do, wherever you are called to go, run that race. Enjoy that journey. Enjoy every single day. Don't waste one day of the precious life God has given you.[22]

How to know if you’re on the right path

Busyness

Busy is a choice. Hurry is a choice. God’s only command is love, and busyness and hurry are not incompatible with love. Busyness is not of God. Joyless urgency is not of God. We have brought this upon ourselves but we can choose a new path.[23]

Slow down to the speed of joy.

Welcome unplanned moments with God and others. Take in moments that take your breath away. Enjoy these moments because in the end that’s what everyone remembers most: joy-filled moments with God and others.[24]

Love

We are most joyful when we focus on others, not ourselves. When you are more concerned about others, you feel a warm glow in your heart. A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love.[25]

We have a chance to bring out the best in people. What could produce more joy than that? Imagine the joy you will find as you learn to love others and celebrate them. Let people mature. Give them time. Applaud progress. Be a cheerleader not a critic. You’ll enjoy the relationship more and so will they.[26]

Unity

Those who promote peace have joy. There is joy in being like-minded with others, having the same love for each other, and being one in spirit and purpose.[27]

And we cannot be joyful when we close our hearts. Joy expands with every “I forgive,” “I’m sorry,” and “Thank you.” Don’t withhold these important sayings. Use them often.[28]

Service

Where self begins, sorrow begins. The more time spent thinking about yourself, the more suffering you will experience. Joy is found in looking for ways to be good to others, so think of others more.[29]

Most of us make the mistake of thinking life is about getting everything we want, but that makes us selfish and miserable. Although it sounds like it couldn't work, the truth is doing things for others and giving to others is the fastest path to joy.[30]

Reframe

Life is hard. It has pain and darkness. Many people try to numb the pain and darkness but that isn’t best, because if you numb the dark, you numb the light.[31]

Learning how to reframe an experience is best. Take a negative and turn it into a positive. This is done by a reframing question: instead of asking “Why did this happen to me?” try asking “What can I learn from this and how can it make me better?”

Life is hard. Yes. But the wise get better, not bitter.

Mourning is a river that carries us to joy. Sometimes we need to give space for grief in order to make room for joy. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Joy comes to those who endure the bumps bruises and hurts playing the game of life and never stop learning and growing.[32]

In summary, joy is a positive feeling and action, that can be summoned at anytime, under any circumstance.

Habits that develop joy include: a strong faith, an attitude of gratitude, showing humility toward others, and running your race.

You’re on the right path if over time you find yourself being less busy and enjoying good moments, loving and encouraging others, promoting peace, serving, and reframing.

Enjoy your journey. 😃

Books

. The Path to Joy — Keller · Grds Ama

. The Book of Joy — Lama, Tutu · Grds Ama

. Enjoy Your Journey — Meyer · Grds Ama

. He’s Where the Joy Is — Cobble · Grds Ama

. How Happiness Happens — Lucado · Grds Ama

Articles

. How to Overcome Anxiety

. How to Boost Your Happiness

. How to Develop Your Spirituality

. How to Overcome Depression — Coming soon!

. Health Master List