When a new year begins, new opportunities flood our inboxes like a tsunami with a subject line on top. There is no shortage of buy this, do that, or try this. It’s all aimed at the goal of making our lives easier or more productive.

Yes, I admit, I am joining the chorus of well-meaning souls offering soul stirring benefits. But you get to decide what your soul needs the most. It might be more rest or more activity. It could be a new mindset or a new way to engage with your workplace or community.

I pray this is a year of unexpected blessings and abiding peace in our hearts and in our homes. But in a world where life can catch us off guard quicker than we can say “crisis,” having the joy of the Lord as our strength is essential to our faith.

As Jesus taught on the importance of obeying His commandments and abiding in His love, He explained a major benefit. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11 NKJV). After sharing “joy to the soul” on this blog for over eight years, I’m convinced Jesus doesn’t want us to live without it.

But what happens if enjoying life feels more like a chore and less like a gift? Our ability to “rejoice in the Lord” may feel inauthentic or awkward.

Sadly, a sudden sorrow or a long-standing challenge can create a joy deficit in the soul. This puts our obedience to Christ and our love for Him to the test. And yet, with its grace-given warmth, joy nestles down deep in a soul where it is welcome. It snuggles right next to life’s difficulties and informs us of the simplest truth. God is good.

As He fills what is hollow or lifts what’s heavy in our lives, one thing is clear. Joy is no fleeting feeling. And yet, how can we have a joy that remains, instead of a joy that walks away when disappointment arrives? This verse from the Psalms helps us out.

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety” (Psalm 16:8-9 NLT).

David, the writer of this verse, wrote these words during a time of crisis. The words “I will not be shaken” does not mean we will not be impacted by a situation.

Emotionally, we can certainly be shaken by life’s events. But some Bible translations use the phrase “I will not be moved” — meaning my faith will remain fixed on who God is. I believe David knew what I have also discovered.

Joy-filled people are not problem-free. But they know God will reveal Himself in the midst of their problems.

It’s just one of the habits of people who receive the kind of joy that remains. I share four more habits in my gift to subscribers of this blog. It is a free PDF entitled “5 Habits of a Joy-filled Life.”

For each habit, I share a biblical principle and practical tips to build your faith. The enemy of our soul wants to strip us of our joy and stress us with the worries of this life. He wants us to believe joy isn’t possible because the enemy knows joy is powerful.

But real joy doesn’t deny real life. It provides real strength to keep us believing and delighting in the God who makes all things new.

If you already subscribe to this blog, a “thank you” from me is in your inbox. But I’d love to share this encouragement with every reader! Subscribe and receive the FREE PDF of “5 Habits of a Joy-filled Life.” It’s a great way to start any day or any year. Let’s continue the journey together!