What If I’m Not Feeling the ‘Jesus Joy’ Everyone Talks About?
You’ve probably seen it: someone at church, eyes closed, hands raised, huge smile, looking like they’re having a private party with Jesus during worship. Or maybe you’ve scrolled past a post with a Bible verse and a caption about “overflowing joy” in faith. And you’re sitting there, new to this Christian thing, thinking, Am I supposed to feel like that? Because I don’t. Maybe you’re stressed, doubting, or just not getting the warm fuzzies everyone else seems to have. If that’s you, can I just say: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
I’ve had days where faith feels more like a slog than a celebration. That’s why I call it “stubborn joy.” There are times when I’ve been going through a rough patch, and everyone’s singing about God’s goodness, but I’m just trying not to cry in the middle of church worship because life feels anything but good. It’s easy to wonder if you’re doing faith wrong when the “Jesus joy” seems to skip you. But here’s the truth: this Christian walk thing isn’t about constant highs. It’s about trusting God through every season, even the flat ones. Let’s unpack why you might not feel the joy, what the Bible says about it, and how to keep going when faith feels more like work than a party.
Why the ‘Joy’ Might Feel Missing
Not feeling the glow? That’s okay, it happens. Faith isn’t about feelings, you know. Emotions are fickle, one day you’re pumped, the next you’re just meh. The Bible never says faith equals nonstop happiness, it’s about trust, not a mood (Hebrews 11:1). So if your heart’s not doing cartwheels, that’s not a sign you’re failing.
Life can be heavy too. As a new Christian, or one that’s just now growing in your faith, you might’ve hoped this newfound faith would fix everything, but bills, breakups, and anxiety don’t just vanish. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Trouble’s part of the deal, and it can drown out the joy if you let it.
Comparison doesn’t help either. Seeing others’ highlight reels online or at church, all smiles and raised hands, can make you feel like you’re missing something. But their joy isn’t your measuring stick. God’s working in you, even if it’s quiet. And you don’t know the struggles that the other person is going through. The compare game is a dangerous one because we rarely see the truth behind others.
And if you’re new to faith, you’re still learning how to connect with God. It’s like picking up a guitar for the first time, you’re not going to shred like a rock star right away. It takes time and practice, and that’s perfectly normal.
The good news? God’s not grading you on how “joyful” you feel. He’s with you, even when you’re not feeling it.
What the Bible Says About Joy (It’s Not What You Think)
The Bible talks a lot about joy, but it’s not the Instagram-filtered, always-smiling kind. Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 says, “There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh.” God gets that life has seasons, and He’s in all of them. Joy in Scripture isn’t about feeling happy 24/7, it’s about a deep trust that God’s got you, even in the mess.
Look at Jesus. He wept (John 11:35), got angry (Mark 11:15-17), and felt agony in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). If the Son of God had rough days, you’re allowed to as well. But He also said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). That joy comes from staying close to Him, not from forcing a smile. And Paul? He wrote about joy from a prison cell (Philippians 1:18). If he can find it there, it’s not about circumstances.
How to Stay Faithful When Joy’s on Backorder
If you’re not feeling the “Jesus joy,” don’t panic. Here’s how to keep walking with God while you wait:
- Be Honest with God
Tell Him you’re struggling. Psalm 62:8 says, “Pour out your hearts to him.” I’ve prayed, “God, I’m not feeling You, but I’m here.” He can handle your realness. I love that about our God. It’s the realness that He craves from us. - Do One Small Thing
Read a Psalm, pray for a friend, or listen to a worship song. Small acts keep you tethered, even if they don’t spark fireworks. I lean on Psalm 23 when I’m low, it’s short and grounding. - Serve Someone Else
Helping others can shift your focus. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens.” Volunteer, text a friend, or bring donuts to work. It’s weirdly uplifting. The most rewarding moments of my life have been in service to others. Seems counterintuitive. But it does work. - Find a Faith Friend
Talk to someone who gets it, not to compare, but to share. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says two are better than one. My church small group has pulled me through dry spells. - Rest in Grace
You don’t have to “feel” joyful to be loved. Romans 8:38-39 says nothing separates you from God’s love. Nothing. Not even your blah days.
Joy’s Coming, Even If It’s Quiet
Here’s the deal: joy isn’t something you manufacture; it’s a gift God grows in you as you stick with Him. I’ve had seasons where faith felt like checking boxes but looking back, those were the times God was building something deeper. Galatians 5:22 says joy is a fruit of the Spirit, it grows over time, not overnight.
My friend, if you’re not feeling the “Jesus joy” everyone’s hyping, that’s okay. You’re not failing. Keep showing up, keep talking to God, and trust He’s working, even when it’s subtle. One day, you’ll look back and see how He carried you through, and that’s a joy no one can fake.
☕ A little faith, a little courage, and a whole lot of stubborn joy. – Tonya
What’s it like for you when faith feels flat? Drop a comment, I’d love to hear your story and walk this with you!
© 2025 All posts written by Tonya E. Lee
