Let me ask you something real.
Have you ever felt like you still believe in God—but don’t feel much? Like you’re going through the motions, but the joy you used to have just faded?
Yeah. Me too.
I was sitting in this little coffee shop in Nepal (yep, halfway around the world), feeling completely dry inside. I’d been trying so hard—serving God, leading, showing up for others—but joy? Peace? Gone.
So I whispered something simple: “God… where did the joy go?”
And in that quiet space, I felt Him say, “You’re looking for joy in the wrong places. It’s not found in everything going right. It’s found in Me.”
The Pressure to Perform Is Real
Let’s be honest—life can get heavy. You’ve got school, work, relationships, stress, maybe even ministry. And somewhere along the way, it’s easy to lose the spark.
Not because you did something wrong, but because you’re human. You get tired. Worn out. Maybe even numb.
I’ve learned that we don’t lose joy because we’re bad Christians. We lose it when we forget to just be with Jesus. Not do stuff for Him. Just be with Him.
God’s Not Far Away
One of my favorite verses says:
“In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” — Psalm 16:11
Joy doesn’t come from everything falling into place. It comes from being close to God.
You can feel broken and still be close. You can feel anxious and still press in. You can be a total mess and still hear Him whisper, “I’m here.”
Okay, But How Do I Get Joy Back?
Glad you asked. Here’s what helped me:
1. Get still for a minute
No phone. No distractions. Just breathe. Talk to God like He’s right there—because He is.
2. Be brutally honest in prayer
You don’t have to impress God. Just be real. “I’m tired. I don’t feel anything. Help.” That kind of prayer moves His heart.
3. Read one verse and sit with it
You don’t need to power through chapters. One verse like Psalm 16:11 can anchor you for the day.
4. Notice small gifts
God shows up in sunsets, laughter, music, even your morning coffee. Gratitude wakes your soul up.
5. Stay around people who love Jesus
Isolation kills joy. But community? Even if it’s just one or two solid people—that’ll breathe life back into you.
You’re Not Crazy or Failing
If you’ve been feeling distant from God or like the joy’s just not there anymore—you’re not broken. You’re not weird. You’re being invited back to what matters most: closeness with Him.
This generation doesn’t need more hype. We need more Presence.
And good news? He’s not far off. He’s right here. You don’t have to earn your way back into joy. Just turn toward Him and let Him meet you where you are.
Keep Showing Up
I’m not writing this as a guy who’s got it all figured out. I’m writing this as someone who almost gave up—but didn’t.
So if you’re tired, but still searching, keep showing up. Keep pressing in. Keep opening your heart—even if it feels awkward.
Joy is coming.
And it’s found in Him.
