On a scale of one to 10, what’s your level of joy? If you answered on the low end of the spectrum, it’s likely because you are facing some challenges that have you down. Well, we want to encourage you today because God tells us what to do in these times. When great troubles come our way, He tells us to “consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2). Discover how to establish permanent, immovable joy in your life with these 3 Keys to Chronic Joy. 

1)    Abound in Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” –Romans 15:13 (ESV)
How joyful would you be if you just believed God’s Word? If you’re facing a sickness, and you decided to believe that by Jesus’ stripes you were healed (1 Peter 2:24, NKJV), would you jump for joy?

If you’re facing a financial struggle, and you decided to believe Philippians 4:19, would you still be discouraged?
Romans 15:13 says the God of hope will fill us with joy and peace in believing. You see, it’s not when we simply read or mentally assent to God’s Word that power is released. The power is released only when you believe. You have every reason to believe God because He is not a man, so He does not lie (Numbers 23:19)! 
Begin to live in chronic joy by believing God, and allow Him to fill you with the hope that can only come from Him. This is not natural joy; it is supernatural joy by the power of the Holy Spirit!

2)    Give Voice to Your Joy 

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” –Psalm 118:24 
Jesus not only delivered you from a life of toil and struggle, He set you far above all principalities and powers, where your words hold the key to a joyful and blessed life (Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 2:6, Deuteronomy 30:19). So give voice to your joy! Rejoice!

Rejoicing isn’t a product of how you feel; it’s an act to stir the force of joy in your spirit and access the abundant promises of God. Try speaking these scriptures out loud to stir up your joy today:

• “Thank You, Lord, that this is the day You have made, and I will rejoice” (Psalm 118:24).
• “Lord, I will keep my eyes on You, not on my circumstances. I will trust that You will guide every step I take today” (Psalm 37:23).
• “Whom having not seen I do love. Though even now I do not see Him, yet believing, I rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

3)    Release Your Joy

“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” –Psalm 71:23 
Did you know that heaven takes your blessings seriously? And anytime heaven is trying to get you BLESSED, it does so in the atmosphere of JOY. As you release your joy, blessings are drawn to you like a powerful magnet. 

So how do you release this powerful force? Here are three biblical ways to release joy in your life:

• Release your joy through praise. Let the joy of the Lord burst through your spirit during praise and worship, speaking God’s Word and His promises to stir your faith (Psalms 16:11, 42:4).
• Release joy through dance. Scripture promises He will deliver us from our sorrows as we dance before Him in praise and worship (Jeremiah 31:13). 
• Release joy through prayer, allowing His Word to penetrate your spirit and stir up the joy inside you (Philippians 1:4). This can include praying in tongues, confessing God’s Word, and declaring His truth.

The act of releasing your joy is important because it allows you to use joy like the tool that it is: a mighty weapon that empowers you over discouragement and fear, while grabbing hold of your victory over challenges. 

As you follow these 3 Keys to Chronic Joy, you’re now able to put this mighty force to work in your life, establishing permanent and eternal joy. As you draw on your supply of joy and faith, you’ll rise to the top and be able to minister to others on the power of joy!