Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today lacking joy. I’m looking at circumstances and not to You. Your Word speaks of the fullness of joy that comes from being in relationship with You, and I desire to experience that joy fully in my life. Jesus said that He spoke these things so that His joy may be in me, and that my joy may be complete’. Help me to fully grasp and own this promise of joy in You.
Lord, I know that the fruit of the Spirit includes joy,1 and I ask that Your Holy Spirit fill me with this beautiful fruit. When I feel weighed down by stress or discouragement, remind me to rejoice in You always.2 Help me to focus on the righteousness, peace, and joy found in Your kingdom.3
As Nehemiah once said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength”.4 I pray that Your joy would uplift me and provide the resilience I need to face life’s challenges. When I feel overwhelmed or burdened, draw my attention back to the truth that Your joy is readily available to me. May I also find encouragement in the joy of sharing in the sufferings of Christ, knowing that these trials strengthen my faith and ultimately lead to greater rejoicing when Your glory is revealed.5
Father, I long to imitate those who walk in truth and experience the joy of witnessing their growth in faith.6 Allow me to cultivate relationships with those who uplift and inspire me in my walk with You, encouraging joy in one another’s lives.7 As I reflect on my circumstances, remind me to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.8 I surrender my feelings of sadness and emptiness to You, trusting that You will replace them with Your joy. Thank You for Your faithfulness and the hope I have in You. Amen.