Five Scriptural Prayers for Joy When Life Is Hard
ASHERITAH CIUCIU
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“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT)
Why am I so cranky?
Have you ever asked yourself that question? I have, more times than I care to admit.
I could blame my child who just responded disrespectfully to a reasonable request. I could blame my co-worker whose political chatter grates on my nerves. I could blame the stubborn imperfections I see when I look in the mirror.
But truthfully, none of those situations should have the power to steal my joy and turn me into a grump — because Jesus offers me His overflowing joy.
In John 15:11, just hours before He would be betrayed, arrested and executed, Jesus told His disciples: “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (NLT). What Jesus promised His disciples, and by extension those of us who follow Him today, is a supernatural joy that transcends circumstances. A supernatural joy that comes only from God’s work in us, often in response to our prayers.
The truth is we need God’s help to grow into women of joy, and thankfully, our Bibles are full of sample prayers we can learn to pray on our own. After all, if joy is a fruit of God’s Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22) and the Father longs for us to bear fruit (John 15:2), won’t He be pleased to answer our prayers and grant us joy in Christ?
He certainly will.
So let us confidently ask God to grow us into women of contagious joy, unbothered by mundane irritations and filled with His Spirit.
Here are five powerful prayers you can start praying today:
- Based on Nehemiah 8:10: Your joy is my strength, Lord, so please fill me with Your supernatural power to respond cheerfully even when I’m tired.
- Based on Psalm 30:5: Though my sorrow may last through this dark night, Your joy will come in the morning. Help me wait patiently for You to turn my tears to laughter.
- Based on Psalm 51:12: Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, Jesus, and make me quick to obey You.
- Based on Psalm 4:6-7: Lord, You can fill my heart with more joy than a shopping spree or exotic vacation or [fill in the blank]. I choose to trust You.
- Based on Psalm 13:3 and Psalm 34:5: Restore the sparkle to my eyes, Lord. May my wrinkles and laugh lines reveal that I am a woman whose face radiates Your joy!
May we grow in supernatural joy that points us and our world to Jesus.
Heavenly Father, You created us out of Your overflowing delight and designed us to experience joy with You. Show us where we’ve allowed circumstances to steal our joy, and turn our hearts toward You. We want to radiate Your wonderful presence to an onlooking world! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Do you long for more joy in your life? Preorder Asheritah’s new book, Delighting in Jesus: Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out. You’ll discover five joyful practices found in Jesus’ own life that will awaken your awareness of God’s delight in you and help you turn back to Him when life gets hard. Today only, when you preorder a copy of Delighting in Jesus, you’ll receive "Prayers for Joy" Scripture Cards for free! Visit Asheritah’s website to learn more.
When someone you love is struggling, it can be hard to know the right thing to say. But there's good news! You no longer have to figure it out on your own. In our latest episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, we sat down with our friend and professional counselor Jennifer Ellers to discuss our role as believers and the resources available through partners like the American Association of Christian Counselors. Check Out Our Conversation!
ENGAGE
What’s stealing your joy? Take this 60-second quiz to find the culprit and discover how Jesus can restore His joy in your life!
Receive more encouraging messages from Asheritah when you join her free, weekly Delighting in Jesus email devotional here.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
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” (ESV).
What issues, burdens or annoyances in your daily life threaten to take away your joy? Given your situation, what Bible verses can you pray right now to ask God to restore your joy and delight in Him?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2024 by Asheritah Ciuciu. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Friday, 08 November 2024.
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