Our God is full of joy, and this joy strengthens and shields us.
I’m scripture writing, in my faith planner, and reflecting on the strength found in the joy of the Lord. I typically post a monthly recap of what I’m learning through this scripture plan but, this month, I’ll share separate weekly posts.
The theme for the verses in May is joy. In April, it was new mercies and new beginnings. This week, the first verse is from April 30th.
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:5
I really love that it started off the week because it set the tone for the rest of the verses that I probably would have missed otherwise.
It’s a reminder that our God is sovereign. He is in control and He rules over everything. As ruler, He can do whatever He wants. Yet, He is choosing to renew everything He created. He is choosing to restore what He created instead of destroying it. In that are so many reasons to rejoice.
He is seated on the throne ruling over it all in majesty and goodness.
The other verses illustrate His hand at work in bringing about goodness.
[Psalm 118:24] “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” He made this day. No matter what it holds, it is a gift given with new mercies.
[Philippians 4:4] “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Why? Because “The Lord is at hand”; He is near.
[Isaiah 55:12] “you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace”. He leads us forward in joy and in peace.
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” He makes known to us the path that leads to life. He is full of joy!
[Psalm 28:7] The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” This exultation is not a mere “praise God” or “thank you, God”. It is a great sense of gratitude from the depths of our hearts.
[Colossians 3:15-17] “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Again, a heart-level thankfulness.
It really warmed my heart to know that 1. God is full of joy and 2. He is actively restoring our joy. This joy strengthens and shields us. It is no wonder He instructs us so many times to rejoice, give thanks, and be glad.
There is strength to be had when we choose joy.
Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.
James 5:13
Reflecting on these things this week, I was reminded of an experience I had a few years ago.
I was sitting in my chair, feeling very tired, and waiting for some energy to come upon me so that I could start dinner. I shared in a previous post – Transformed; New Heart – that I am prone to complaining. And that’s exactly what I was doing.
I was complaining in my mind about how tired I was and how I didn’t have the energy to do what I needed to do. I was not praying. However, I heard very clearly in my mind, the Holy Spirit said “get up and walk”.
So I did. I put some worship music on and I started making dinner. I found that not only did I have the strength but I had so much joy. I’ve had similar experiences when I’m sad, when I’m confused, and even when I’m physically sick.
We exercise our faith when we choose joy.
When we choose to rejoice believing that He will supply whatever we need to do what He’s called us to do. Our God is faithful, trustworthy, and true to His word!
I hope this encourages you today and I hope you will reach for the joy that is found in His presence.
Process and products
I’m using a scripture plan by Illustrated Faith for daily bible reading. This year’s plan is by @belovedsociety and @vanessawalker01, and the overall theme is the light of God’s word to our eyes and heart. It may be found here: 2026 Scripture Writing plan.
Other Illustrated Faith products used:
- Courage cards (digital)
- True Courage Ephemera (digital)
- Prayer Squares (digital)
- Beloved Society Proverbs 31 Girls (digital)
- Glory to Glory (digital)
- Assorted Washi tape
- Stamp | Gratitude Chit Chat
- Stamp | Summer in the Psalms
>> Find more details on this planner, and the scripture plan I’m using, here: Beholding and Rejoicing.
** Watch the process on YouTube here: Strength in Joy
Be encouraged
🎶 Still On The Throne ~ Mitch Wong
You’re a faithful God
You never leave me Lord
You rejoice when I rejoice
And You mourn when I mourn
My Defender is still on the throne
My Redeemer is still on the throne
My Saviour is still on the throne
My Healer is still on the throne
Even in the chaos
I cling to what I know
King Jesus is still on the throne
I will fix my eyes
To where mercy sits
No matter what I face
You’re still on the throne
Be seated on the throne of my heart, Lord. I will fix my eyes on you!
let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross
Hebrews 12:1-3
