As I was sitting with some of my grandchildren this weekend, I started thinking about pure joy.   

How many of us truly have pure joy? Or how many of us are too busy running here and there, not taking the time to be still and find the joy? Or do we let situations and circumstances steal our joy?

Sutton is my little preacher.  He loves to read his devotionals and sing spiritual songs.  He said Cupcake, do you know ‘Peace like a river ‘?”  I do, I said.  So, we pulled up the song on the internet, and we both sang it together, he in his little Mississippi accent.  Then he proceeded to do motions for me.  He loved to do; I have JOY like a fountain and throw his little arms up in the air like a fountain spewing joy everywhere.  

That is what we need every day, pure joy like a fountain infused in our souls.  

Joy is the GIFT BEYOND CIRCUMSTANCE.

Joy is more than a feeling or a momentary burst of happiness—it’s a deep soul penetrating feeling that endures regardless of what life brings. This truth is evident when we look at the pure joy of a child, like Sutton, singing with arms lifted high, embodying the phrase “joy like a fountain.” Such moments remind us that joy is not something we manufacture, but something we receive and nurture.

Unlike happiness, which depends on favorable circumstances, true joy springs from a deeper source. 

Jesus gifted us with the Holy Spirit and Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit.  Joy is a gift that ANCHORS THE HEART.  Even when challenges arise or circumstances are far from perfect, joy can remain because it is rooted in God’s presence, promises, and the assurance of being loved. Joy isn’t a denial of pain or struggle, but it is like that fountain that bubbles up from hope, faith, and spiritual connection.  Joy shifts our focus away from what is temporary to the eternal.  

Scripture is filled with reminders to rejoice. 

The word “joy” appears hundreds of times in the Bible including the words joyful and rejoice. Joy can be found through the Psalms, the letters of Paul, and the teachings of Jesus. My favorite scripture is James 1:2-3

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, [a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,  3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Cultivating joy is AN INTENTIONAL PRACTICE. 

Ultimately, joy is a gift to be received, celebrated, and shared. When we look for joy in life’s little moments and anchor ourselves in deeper spiritual truths, we discover a wellspring that can fill our days—no matter what comes—with gladness and hope.

So, this week, I encourage you to find JOY LIKE A FOUNTAIN IN YOUR SOUL.  To PRIME THE PUMP of your fountain, begin by

1. Show up for JESUS every day – Start your day in the Word.

2. Show up for OTHERS – Serve others, that is what Jesus did; He showed up for everyone.

3. Show up for YOU – Fill your cup before you help fill others’ cups.

WE WILL FIND JOY WHEN WE SHOW UP FOR JESUS, OTHERS, AND OURSELVES.

As Father Mike says, “You pray for me, and I will pray for you.”

As Tara Leigh says: He’s where the joy is.