God created the world not only for our survival but for our joy. From the rising of the sun to the laughter that bubbles up from our hearts, he desires that we live fully in the goodness He has provided. Yet, life often distracts us—busyness, struggles, and worries can shift our focus away from the simple joys that God so freely gives.
This month of September, we are setting aside 30 days to reflect on the joys of life through scripture. Each passage reminds us that joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in God’s presence, His promises, and His everlasting love. As we read and journal, we’ll rediscover the beauty of everyday moments, the strength that comes from rejoicing, and the transformation that happens when we choose joy.
Day 1 – 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."
Prompt: Where in your life do you feel God’s presence most strongly? How does His presence bring you joy?
Day 2 – John 15:11
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
Prompt: What words of Jesus bring you comfort and fullness of joy today?
Day 3 – Nehemiah 8:10
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Prompt: How can leaning on God’s joy give you strength in your current season?
Day 4 – Psalm 118:24
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Prompt: What can you rejoice in today, no matter how small?
Day 5 – Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."
Prompt: What practice helps you return to rejoicing even on hard days?
Day 6 – Psalm 30:5
"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."
Prompt: Recall a time God turned your sorrow into joy. How did it change your perspective?
Day 7 – James 1:2–3
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
Prompt: How can you reframe a current challenge as a stepping stone to joy?
Day 8 – Psalm 126:2
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy."
Prompt: What recent moment of laughter reminded you of God’s goodness?
Day 9 – Proverbs 17:22
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Prompt: What uplifts your heart when you feel drained?
Day 10 – Isaiah 55:12
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace."
Prompt: Where in your life do you need to step forward with joy and peace?
Day 11 – Habakkuk 3:18
"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Prompt: What’s one thing you can choose to rejoice in today despite challenges?
Day 12 – Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him."
Prompt: How can you deepen your trust in God to experience His joy more fully?
Day 13 – 1 Peter 1:8
"Though you have not seen him, you love him… you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible."
Prompt: How do you express your love for Christ even when you can’t see Him?
Day 14 – Ecclesiastes 3:12–13
"There is nothing better… than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live."
Prompt: What good can you do today that will bring joy to you and someone else?
Day 15 – Psalm 4:7
"You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound."
Prompt: What simple joys has God placed in your heart that money can’t buy?
Day 16 – Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you… He will rejoice over you with singing."
Prompt: How does it make you feel to know that God rejoices over YOU?
Day 17 – Psalm 19:8
"The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart."
Prompt: What scripture or truth from God’s Word fills your heart with joy today?
Day 18 – Luke 15:7
"There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Prompt: How does God’s joy in forgiveness shape how you forgive yourself and others?
Day 19 – Psalm 21:6
"You make him glad with the joy of your presence."
Prompt: What practice draws you closest to God’s joyful presence?
Day 20 – Galatians 5:22
*"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" *
Prompt: How is joy growing as a fruit of the Spirit in your life right now?
Day 21 – Psalm 100:1–2
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!"
Prompt: How can you serve God joyfully this week?
Day 22 – Proverbs 10:28
"The hope of the righteous brings joy."
Prompt: Where is your hope anchored, and how does it spark joy in your spirit?
Day 23 – Psalm 47:1
"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy."
Prompt: How do you outwardly express your joy in God?
Day 24 – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances."
Prompt: What’s one circumstance you can thank God for today that you once struggled with?
Day 25 – Psalm 92:4
"For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy."
Prompt: What part of God’s creation sparks joy in you?
Day 26 – Matthew 5:12
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."
Prompt: How does the hope of heaven encourage your joy today?
Day 27 – Psalm 32:11
"Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"
Prompt: How can you celebrate your spiritual growth this year with joy?
Day 28 – Isaiah 12:3
"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."
Prompt: What does salvation mean to your daily joy and peace?
Day 29 – Psalm 126:5
"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy."
Prompt: What past struggle has now become a testimony of joy in your life?
Day 30 – Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe away every tear… and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning… for the former things have passed away."
Prompt: How does this promise of eternal joy reshape the way you live today?
As we close this month’s journey, we hold to the truth that God’s gift of joy is unmovable, untouched by what we face. Joy is found in His Word, in His presence, and in the ways He reveals Himself in our daily lives.
Through laughter, peace, gratitude, and even in trials, we have learned that joy is not fleeting—it is a wellspring that God placed within us. This journey through September has not only reminded us of the joys of life but also of the joy of becoming: becoming more present, more rooted in God’s promises, and more aware of the blessings He surrounds us with.
May this month inspire us to keep choosing joy—day after day, season after season—because joy is the evidence of God at work in us.
Anika