Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
—Philippians 4:4

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
—Habakkuk 3:17-18

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
—Nehemiah 8:10

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Fruit: Joy
By Jennifer Kane

Joy is the song the Spirit sings,
Not born of wealth or earthly things.
It dances deep where sorrows lie,
A flame that never will run dry.

It shines beneath the weeping skies,
A light that grief cannot disguise.
Though loss may linger, still it stays—
A quiet strength in darkened days.

Joy does not wait for pain to cease,
It walks with Christ and dwells in peace.
It grows where fear and faith collide,
And finds its home where saints abide.

Not found in gold, nor praise, nor fame—
But in the Savior’s changeless name.
Though figs may fail and vines be bare,
Rejoice! Our God is always there.

It sings amid the empty field,
It rests where wounded hearts are healed.
It breaks the chains that sorrow ties—
A gift no trial can compromise.

So let this fruit bloom bold and bright,
A joy that glows with Spirit light.
Not laughter hollow, quick to fade,
But joy the Lord Himself has made.

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Scriptures: Philippians 4:4, Habakkuk 3:17-18, Nehemiah 8:10

In Nehemiah’s day, the people of Israel had just heard the Word of God read aloud, and their hearts were grieved. The weight of their sin and failure pressed heavily upon them—but Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encouraged the people to rejoice. Why? Because God was with them. His mercy was greater than their failure. “Do not grieve,” Nehemiah said, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

This joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on what’s happening. Joy, however, is rooted in something deeper—the unchanging character and presence of God. It is not tied to sunny days or easy victories. It blooms even in the shadows. In fact, “the joy of the Lord” often shines brightest in seasons of sorrow, pain, or uncertainty.

Jesus Himself, “for the joy set before Him, endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). His joy was not in the suffering—but in knowing what it would accomplish: our redemption, our reconciliation with the Father.

As Paul wrote to the Galatians, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)—evidence of God at work in our hearts. It’s not something we manufacture. It grows as we abide in Him.

Joy is not pretending everything is fine. It is knowing that even when it’s not, God is still good. It is choosing to rejoice not in the moment, but in the Master of the moment. It is finding strength in the One who never fails.

As you walk with Jesus, joy becomes more than a feeling—it becomes fuel. It lifts your head in the valley, anchors your heart in trials, and steadies your steps when the way is unclear.

What burden are you carrying today that feels too heavy to bear alone?
Where can you find the joy of the Lord in the midst of that situation?
How can you remind yourself daily that your strength comes from God’s joy, not from your own circumstances?

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Father, thank You that joy in You is stronger than sorrow in me. Teach me to rejoice, not because everything is easy, but because You are always with me. Let Your joy rise within me, Lord, and give me strength for today. Help me to walk by faith, not by sight—and to hold tightly to joy that does not fade. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

August 8 2025