I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:2 NIV)
Do you ever find yourself walking around humming a hymn or familiar Christian song with joy? That is a gift from God.
There is a song from our childhoods that comes to mind:
“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay.”
As God’s children, the joy we have received at salvation will never depart from us. When we are facing trials or concerns, remember that His joy is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
"Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross." - S. D. Gordon