Have you ever met someone who is constantly happy, smiling, laughing, looking on the bright side—always? You’d think this person would bring joy to our lives, but they often annoy us.

It could be that they aren’t joyful at all, even though they appear to be.

Joy is not a constant emotional high. Yet, we expect it to be. We beat ourselves up when joy seems to leave us. We whisper to ourselves that we aren’t living up to God’s standards because we aren’t joyful.

Joy is deeper than an emotional high. The roots of joy run to our soul, just like a flourishing tree has roots running deep underground. Sometimes joy is expressed in peace, contentment, assurance, faith or a relaxed spirit.

Joy has to be fed. Where do you turn to feed your joy?

I can easily turn to the things of this world to try to feed mine. It doesn’t last long, because my soul has an insatiable appetite that temporal things can’t satisfy.

God’s Word feeds our joy. Not a surface reading, but an immersion into this Holy Book.  And that takes time.

Immerse yourself into one of these passages of Scripture today, then the others in the days ahead.  These truths will feed your soul.

• Philippians 4:4-8. This passage starts with, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (NIV) In these five verses, you’ll find encouragement. You’ll also receive instruction on how to keep godly thoughts on the forefront of your mind. These thoughts will fill your soul and bring joy.
• Luke 24. The resurrection of Jesus. This is a detailed account of his appearance to many and their reactions. Luke writes in a way that draws you into the story and makes you feel like you are right there with him and the others.
• John 14:1-4. Jesus promises his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them in heaven. The same is true for us. Read this and let your mind focus on the eternal, rather than the temporal here on earth. Your heart will be lifted up as you meditate on these verses.

You may want to approach the passage in this way:

1. Read the passage.
2. Silently think about it and see what God brings to your mind.
3. Read it aloud a few times.
4. Pray whatever comes to mind in response to God’s Word.

This practice should never become a ritual. It’s a great way to slow down and let the Word penetrate your heart. Feed your joy.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).