How to Get Your Joy Back as a Christian: 10 Ways to Feel Happy Again
Are you struggling to find joy in life? Do you ever wonder what truly brings joy in your life? You’re not alone.
Many people feel this way at some point, especially when life feels heavy or overwhelming. I know I have.
[click here for 31 encouraging Bible verses + free printable]
If you’re looking for simple ways to find joy in life, especially from a Christian perspective you’re in the right place because…
I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. Shout it with me. WHERE!? Down in my heart… (you’ll thank me later when this is stuck in your head).
In all seriousness, do you remember what it was like when you were a kid and you woke up without dread? With BIG dreams that seemed totally doable even though they were delusional? When does that feeling disappear? When does the weight of the world push us down?
After reading the Bible daily, I’ve noticed the same comforting messages popping up: Don’t be afraid. You’re well taken care of. God wants us happy, thriving, loving each other and all for His glory.
I truly believe we’re not meant to lose our childlike wonder.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
So if that’s the case… how do we get that joy back?
1. Start With the Basics
Take care of your basic needs so everything else can follow. Are you chronically sleep deprived? Zoning out on your phone? Snapping at your loved ones? Eating poorly?
You're robbing yourself of joy by neglecting the simple care of your body. God didn’t make it complicated. Actually, He made each one enjoyable (thank you🙏 ).
- Get enough sleep
- Drink water and eat real food
- Exercise (especially for enjoyment)
- Interact with other humans
I know my own kids get cranky and upset if I don’t feed them properly or send them to bed on time. We are God’s children. He wants us to care for ourselves.
I find this quote from St. Augustine very comforting:
“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”
The same God who created everything rested. Not because He had to but to set the tone for us.
Prioritise sleep. Aim for 7–8 hours consistently. Wake up at the same time each day. It will transform how you feel.
2. Put the Phone Down
The world we’re warned not to live in is now right at our fingertips. And it’s addictive. I’m talking about our phones—the doom-scrolling, the constant checking, carrying it everywhere.
I'm as guilty as the next person for doing this, so I'm not judging, but I think as a society it’s numbing our brains and stifling our ability to fully experience joy.
3. Do Joyful Things
You don’t have joy because you’re not doing joyful things.
What did you love as a kid? I loved writing stories, riding bikes, and going to the pool.
Simple pleasures, but God created us to enjoy simple things.
As adults we forget that joy can come from just doing something for the fun of it. Try writing fiction again. Go for a ride. Rediscover what you loved and bring it back into your life.
Simple joys throughout the day make a huge difference. I love sitting in my bed reading (probably the Bible or fiction) with the window open so I can hear the tree blowing and the wind on my face.
4. Plan Small and Big Adventures
This one’s inspired by Laura Vanderkam, a favourite author of mine. She shares research that time feels slower for children because they experience new things regularly.
Adults experience life more repetitively, so time speeds up and joy can fade.
Novelty refreshes our brains and makes moments memorable. Planning weekly small adventures like trying a new bakery and bigger adventures like a day trip or swimming at a fun water park, helps break the routine and invites joy back.
5. Be Intentional With What You Consume and Who You Surround Yourself With
What are you feeding your mind and heart?
Are you following people online who drain your joy? Are your music, books, and conversations uplifting and aligned with the joy you want to feel?
I followed my own advice earlier and played a mix tape of The Beach Boys and the mood in the house instantly lifted. I was singing and the kids were up dancing. It really does make a difference.
Be selective and intentional with what you allow in your life.
6. Tend to Your Space
Your environment affects your emotions. If your home is chaotic or draining, joy has a hard time settling in.
I can't tell you what your space should look like as it’s personal. As my Granny would say, “each to their own” and my house doesn't sit on a pin all the time. We can only do our best.
Personally, I follow the FlyLady Method. I get daily emails telling me what to do around the house. Those daily emails are life changing!
7. Invest in Relationships
Send a thoughtful text to a friend (virtual prod to go send it now). Hug your husband. Visit your mum. Play with your kids and make them laugh!
If this isn't how you normally act I'd suggest you either jump in and fully immerse yourself in it or take baby steps. A simple 'Hi, how are you?' is good enough. Don't let perfect get in the way of the good.
Scripture says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” Joy grows when we share it.
8. Learn Scripture
Honestly, this post could end here. Just learn scripture.
I can’t explain the depth of joy and comfort I get from being able to speak God’s Word over my life when I feel lost, anxious or overwhelmed.
To be fully transparent, this one does not come easily to me so start with just two or three verses and go from there.
9. Have a Relationship With Jesus
He is everything.
I found it hard to relate to Jesus at first. I could pray to God the Father, I could feel the Holy Spirit but Jesus felt… distant.
Still, I kept craving the red-letter words in my Bible app. I’d always seek out His voice. He was calling me.
It wasn’t until I watched The Chosen that I could finally imagine Him… and then allow myself to get to know Him.
10. Read Your Bible Daily
It’s called daily bread for a reason. Just do it.
Open your Bible, even if just for five minutes and watch how the peace and joy begin to grow.
Getting your joy back isn’t about faking a smile or pushing through with willpower.
It’s about returning to the One who made joy in the first place.
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." Psalm 16:11
Bit by bit. Day by day. You can feel that spark again.
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