Joy to the World
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures. Psalm 16:11
Joy is a word we see and hear often during the holiday season. Maybe you are stressed, overwhelmed, and overcommitted this holiday, making it nearly impossible to find joy. Perhaps this is a difficult season for you—grieving a loved one, facing illness, or navigating job loss—and joy feels distant and out of reach.
Joy is often described as an internal state of peace and contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances or material possessions. So, how do we find joy in our current place in life?
Our key verse from Psalm 16:11 above tells us that in the presence of the Lord is abundant joy! When David wrote this psalm, he wasn’t living a life free of difficulty. He was on the run, facing danger, uncertainty, and fear. Yet he confidently declared that fullness of joy could still be found in God. How? Because joy is rooted in intimacy with God, not temporary things.
When we stay close to Jesus—spending time with Him, listening to His voice, trusting His promises, and walking in obedience—joy grows, even in seasons of pain or uncertainty. When I think of moments in my life that have brought me joy, the list includes events like graduation from high school and college, my wedding day, my work with FUGE Camps, travel, and even a beautiful sunset. There are so many more that could make this list. However, one of the top events is our son Colin's birth. Nothing compares to the miracle of birth, and I was right there to experience it.
But, it wasn't all joy. Danette had a long labor, including real pain and real difficulties along the way. We found ourselves afraid at times. But when Colin entered the world, a joy followed that was so overwhelming that the struggle became part of the beauty. The room itself shifted. Tears appeared. Hope filled the air. And, our lives were forever marked and changed. I have never been part of anything like it before or since. I was literally shaking!
True joy often grows out of pain and doesn’t ignore it, but instead redeems it. It changes the environment of the heart. Even in ordinary and difficult moments, it brings clarity and a sense that God is bigger than what we can see. So, we can experience true joy even in the hard times, knowing that God is ever present with us, He is in control, and He wants what is best for us.
As special as Colin’s birth is to us, nothing compares to the birth of Jesus! Through this miraculous birth, God came near. He fulfilled His promises of a Savior by means of a humble birth of obscurity with no wealth or status. This birth brought redemption and reconciliation to God, offering us forgiveness and new life. It even profoundly changed our calendar, which now designates years relative to his birth!
The angel present at the birth announced, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” A multitude of heavenly hosts were filled with joy and praised God in Luke 2:14, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Wise men from afar had seen a star. Believing it signified the birth of a new king of the Jews, they traveled many miles to find Him. And the star led the wise men to the place where Jesus was staying. When they saw Him, they were filled with great joy. They bowed down and worshiped Him, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
After all these years, the joy of that birth is still as real as ever! God, in His three forms, is infinitely joyful! We cannot be with Him that we do not experience joy! Danette and I have been reading through the Bible this year using The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble. She ends every single day’s recap with the phrase, “He’s where the joy is.” Knowing God intimately is the path to true joy. And who doesn’t want joy!
During this season and as we will soon begin a new year, may we seek Him in all we do, and in so doing, find a deep, steady, and life-giving joy! And, may we live and share it with a world in desperate need of it!
Call to Action
Today, pause and invite God to renew His joy in you. Ask Him to remind you of His nearness.
Reflect on these questions:
Where in your life do you feel joy has been lacking recently?
What circumstances are you allowing to steal your sense of joy and closeness to God?
When have you felt God revive your joy in the past? What helped you notice Him?
What small practice could you begin today—gratitude, prayer, Scripture reading, worship—to make room for joy again?
Digging Deeper
Check out these additional passages on joy: Psalm 63:7-8, Psalm 92:4, Nehemiah 8:10b, Romans 15:13, and Galatians 5:22-23.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that true joy comes from being with You. When my heart feels heavy, remind me that You are near. Restore joy where it has faded. Teach me to rest in Your presence, trust Your timing, and notice Your goodness in every part of my day. Let Your joy become the steady strength of my life. Amen.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing
