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12 Ways to Cultivate and Experience Lasting Joy

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12 Ways to Cultivate and Experience Lasting Joy

Joy is one of the most beautiful gifts God gives His children. It’s not just an emotion; it’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a profound sign of His work in us. Yet, if we’re honest, there are times when joy feels elusive. Life weighs us down. Our circumstances rob us of the deep delight we know we should feel. When that happens, we might wonder: Is joy something I have to wait for, or can I pursue it? Understanding how to cultivate lasting joy can make a significant difference.

Here’s the good news: Joy is not something we sit passively and hope for. It’s something we cultivate through our relationship with God. Scripture not only commands us to rejoice (Philippians 4:4), it also shows us how. True, lasting joy doesn’t depend on our circumstances. Instead, it grows when we practice biblical disciplines that align our hearts with God’s truth, presence, and purposes.

If you’re longing to experience a more consistent, contagious joy, here are 12 biblical habits to help you cultivate it daily:

1. Celebrate the Victories

The angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner turns to Christ (Luke 15:10). Shouldn’t we? Celebrating God’s work—both in your life and in others’—is a powerful way to stir up joy. Don’t minimize the victories He is bringing about, no matter how small they seem. Take time to pause, thank Him, and celebrate.

Action Step: Look for something specific to celebrate today. Share it with someone or write it down as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

2. Abide in His Love

Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:10-11). Staying rooted in Christ—through prayer, worship, and obedience—fills us with a joy that cannot be shaken.

Action Step: Start your day by connecting with God in prayer and Scripture. Ask Him to help you stay grounded in His love.

3. Discover Lasting Joy in His Word

The Word of God is a treasure chest of joy. It reminds us of who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised. As the Psalmist says: “The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).

Action Step: Read a passage of Scripture today—like Psalm 16 or Philippians 4—and reflect on how it reveals God’s goodness.

4. Lift Your Heart in Worship

Singing lifts our hearts and shifts our focus from life’s problems to God’s character. Paul encouraged believers to “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). When you feel overwhelmed, turn to worship—it’s a joy-restoring antidote.

Action Step: Sing a worship song today, whether you’re alone or with others. Let praise fill your heart.

5. Give with a Cheerful Heart

Generosity opens the door to joy. The early church experienced this when they gave cheerfully, even in their poverty: “Their wonderful joy and deep poverty overflowed in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2).

Action Step: Look for a way to give—your time, resources, or encouragement—to someone in need today.

6. Remember His Goodness

Joy flourishes when we remember God’s goodness and reflect on His faithfulness. The Psalms are filled with examples of believers meditating on God’s works: “I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night” (Psalm 63:6).

Action Step: Write down three specific ways God has shown His faithfulness to you recently.

7. Ask and Receive

Jesus promised, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24). Don’t be afraid to ask God to fill you with His joy and bless you abundantly.

Action Step: Pray boldly today. Ask God for a fresh experience of His joy in your life.

8. Surrender with Confidence

Paul, writing from prison, still rejoiced because he trusted God’s plan (Philippians 2:17-18). Sometimes joy comes when we yield our circumstances to God and say, “Lord, I trust You.”

Action Step: Identify an area of your life where you need to surrender control. Offer it to God in prayer.

9. Serve with Purpose

Jesus modeled joy through humble service (Philippians 2:7-8). When we focus on meeting others’ needs, we experience the deep satisfaction and joy of living for God’s purposes.

Action Step: Find one way to serve someone today—whether it’s a family member, a coworker, or a neighbor.

10. Anchor in Eternal Hope

The hope of heaven renews our joy. When life feels heavy, remember: This world is not our home. As Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Action Step: Take a moment to reflect on the eternal joy you’ll experience in God’s presence.

11. Delight in His Presence

God invites us not only to worship Him but to delight in Him. He created us for relationship with Him, and there is no greater joy than walking closely with our Creator.

Action Step: Set aside a few moments to simply enjoy being with God today. Talk to Him. Thank Him. Be still and delight in His presence.

12. Choose Lasting Joy Daily

Joy isn’t always a feeling; sometimes it’s a choice. C.S. Lewis wisely said, “Moods will change…unless you teach your moods ‘where they get off,’ you can never be a sound Christian.” Choosing joy means deciding to trust God, no matter what.

Action Step: When you face challenges today, choose joy. Remind yourself: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Bringing It Home: Living in Joy

Joy is not a fleeting emotion or a random gift—it’s the steady, deep delight that comes from living close to Christ. As you practice these biblical habits, you’ll find your lasting joy growing stronger and more consistent. Not only will it bless you, but it will also shine as a testimony of God’s goodness to those around you.

Take Time to Reflect:

  • Which of these 12 habits do you need to focus on most right now?
  • How can you incorporate joy-filled practices into your daily routine?
  • Also, please consider watching our video entitled Occupied with Joy at https://youtu.be/Wv9eWxFtiTo?si=gwz1Rnk5QE8aT3KJ.

Let’s pray together:

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of lasting joy. Help me cultivate it daily through these habits. Teach me to abide in You, celebrate Your goodness, and choose joy in every circumstance. Let my joy be a reflection of Your work in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Action

Are you facing a decision and need God’s wisdom? Ask Him with confidence, knowing that He will provide generously. For more encouragement and insights into seeking God’s wisdom, check out resources on my website: https://jameslongjr.org/ or join my coaching program for personalized support: https://jameslongjr.org/joinnow.

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