Week 2 • Joy

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness rises and falls with circumstances — a good day, a kind word, a moment that goes right. Joy, however, is deeper. Joy is rooted in who God is, not in what is happening around us.

When life feels heavy, joy can feel far away… almost unreachable. But scripture reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Not your own strength, not your mood, not your circumstances — His joy. This joy is steady. It’s a well that never runs dry.

Joy grows when we choose to remember God’s goodness in the middle of uncertainty. It grows when we worship while we wait. It grows when we notice small blessings, quiet answers to prayer, and the peace God places in unexpected places. This week, ask God to restore the deeper joy that comes from knowing Him — the kind that strengthens your heart even when life doesn’t make sense.

Reflection for the Week

• What small moments this week have sparked a sense of joy in my heart?
• How can I lean on God’s strength instead of my own?
• Where is God inviting me to choose joy, even in waiting or uncertainty?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of joy — a joy that lasts, a joy that strengthens, a joy that remains even through difficult days. Fill my heart with a deeper, quieter joy that comes from trusting You. Help me see Your hand at work in my life and remind my spirit that You are near. Let Your joy be my strength this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.