You can almost always tell when someone’s paycheck has just landed, when they’ve had a good meal or a good day, or when everything seems to fall into place effortlessly.
They walk lighter, their feet bounce with joy, and their smile glows radiantly.
When everything is going well, joy feels easy, almost automatic.

But what happens when the account runs low? When the day goes haywire? When everything starts falling apart?

Have you noticed how often people tie their joy to circumstances?
The world sells us a version of joy that’s entirely circumstantial – joy in money, joy in music, joy in cars, joy in fleeting successes.

But let’s take a look at the joy the bible presents:

John 16:22
New King James Version
[22] Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

Jesus was speaking to His disciples about His death that was to happen and the sorrow they would face as a result, but He didn’t stop there. He pointed them to a joy to come that the world could not take away, a joy rooted not in circumstances, but in His resurrection and presence through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit.
This joy isn’t based on paychecks, good days, or fleeting successes.
It is anchored in the unchanging reality of who Jesus is and what He has done.
This is why the apostles could be beaten, threatened, and humiliated, yet still rejoice.

Acts 5:41
New King James Version
[41] So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

Their joy was untouchable because it wasn’t built on what could be lost, it was built on Someone eternal.
Another thing worthy of note is that this kind of joy goes way beyond an emotion; it is a fruit of the believer’s regenerated Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23
New King James Version
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
[23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

After you believed the gospel, the Holy Spirit came to dwell in you. And now joy flows out as a fruit of your new nature.
When Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the joy they’ll experience as a result of what was going to happen, He said, ‘Your joy no one will take from you.’ That means this joy is your possession, you own it. You can protect it. You can control it.

John 16:33
New King James Version
[33] “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus didn’t hide the fact that hardship would come but He also gave us the victory perspective: ‘Be of good cheer because He has overcome the world’. You may not be able to control a situation, but you can control your response.

Your response can be joy because it’s yours.
Don’t let anyone or anything take it from you. Don’t let the noise of the world drown out your rejoicing. Guard it like a treasure because your joy is so important.

Nehemiah 8:10
New King James Version
[10] Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

When Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls, he faced distraction, discouragement, and threats. But he stayed focused, refused to be pulled away, and protected what gave him strength – the joy of The Lord.

In the same way, protect yours. Guard your joy fiercely, intentionally and prayerfully. Because we live in a world that tries to steal your joy. The enemy doesn’t have to destroy you through other means if he can steal your joy.
This joy is worth protecting because it’s very important. You may lose moments, and everything may be falling apart, but don’t lose your joy; it is irreplaceable.

Guarding your joy requires intentionality.
So, let’s take a look at some practical steps:

1. Avoid comparison
Comparison is the thief of joy. Watching others hit milestones, acquire possessions, or reach career goals can quietly rob you of peace and contentment.

Luke 12:15
New King James Version
[15] And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

True joy comes from trusting God and focusing on the eternal treasures we have in Christ, which no possession, achievement, or experience compares to.

Matthew 13:44
New King James Version
[44] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to treasure; something valuable. A man found it, hid it, and for joy, sold all he had to buy the field. This is a perspective to have.

2. Renew your mind

Romans 12:2
New King James Version
[2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Renewing your mind through the Word of God and prayer transforms you. It feeds your Spirit, and as you do so, those fruits of the Spirit – including joy – become more evident.

3. Rejoice always

Philippians 4:4
New King James Version
[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell, commands us to rejoice. Rejoicing isn’t merely a feeling; it’s a conscious response to our reality in Christ. It’s a declaration of trust in God’s goodness, even when life feels hard.

Psalms 16:11
New King James Version
[11] You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

David said, “In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy.” As believers, this is our testimony, but with a plot twist: Now we carry the presence of God everywhere! God is in us through His Spirit, and therefore, we can be full of joy at all times, regardless of the circumstances.
Your joy is valuable, learn to guard it at all times!

Prayer point
Lord, help me to guard diligently this joy that I have in You. As I go through the storms of life, help me to trust You and stay conscious of all I have in You.