Joshua Boyd

This message was recorded at a special event with multiple ministries coming together to bring Joy.  Hosted by Crown Heritage Fellowship and Armed Ministries.  

Key Verse: John 15:11 (NKJV)

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

1. The Promise of Jesus’ Joy

• Jesus promised not only peace, but His joy—a lasting, divine joy.
• The world’s joy is temporary and tied to circumstances; His joy remains.

2. Don’t Be Tossed by the Waves

• Many believers tie their joy to external events (economy, politics, etc.).
• James warns against being like waves—up when things go well, down when they don’t.
• Our joy should be anchored, not tossed by the winds of culture.

3. The New Testament Church Example

• Early Christians thrived under hostile Roman rule.
• They didn’t complain about government—they lived under a different Kingdom.
• Paul modeled joy even in suffering:
  • Romans 1:10–12 — “I long to see you… to encourage you, and be encouraged by you.”
  • Two key principles:
    1. Stay connected.
    2. Encourage each other.

4. Main Point: Joy Is Connected to Relationships

“Your joy—God’s joy—is connected to the relationships in your life.”

• When joy is low, check your relationships.
• God uses people to strengthen us; the enemy uses people to drain us.
• Joy flows through healthy, life-giving relationships.

5. Our Joy in God’s Presence

• Joy also comes from our relationship with God.
• David modeled this:
  • Psalm 9:2 — “I will be filled with joy because of You.”
  • Psalm 16:11 — “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”
• Worship brings the presence of God—and with it, joy.

6. Practicing God’s Presence

• You can experience His presence anywhere—at home, work, or in the car.
• Worship brings breakthrough.
• God delights in hearing His children sing.

7. Jesus’ Joy Was People

Hebrews 12:2 — “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross…”

• That joy was you.
• Jesus saw us as worth the suffering.
• His joy was found in relationship with His people.

8. The Power of Connection

• Ecclesiastes says: A threefold cord is not easily broken.
• Strong, godly relationships keep you standing when life shakes.
• Isolated cords snap—connected ones hold.

9. Joy Strengthens Faith

• Joy and faith are linked:
  • No joy → no faith.
  • Strong joy → strong faith.
• Joy keeps you enduring through trials (James 1:2–4).

Summary Points

• Joy is not found in circumstances—it’s found in relationships.
• Stay connected—to people and to God.
• Guard your joy like your strength.
• Be the steady light others can look to when the world grows dark.