I’m a Christian. I believe Jesus died for me and He is the Saviour of the world. I believe my sins are forgiven by His immeasurable grace. I declare that He is Lord of all Creation and my life. Still… I just don’t feel it. At the moment, life isn’t great or amazing. I’m not filled with overflowing emotions of happiness.

But that’s okay. I don’t have to feel it. My faith is not shaken. I know full well that my life is secure in the hands of the God who loves me. I am fully assured that my sins are washed away by the blood of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Still… I just don’t feel it.

So, what about the joy of the Lord? If you’re confusing joy with happiness, then you’ve missed the point. I don’t feel happy, but I know the joy of the Lord fills my heart because my faith and life will not be shaken by my ever-changing emotions. But… I don’t need to feel it.

There are two songs which reflect how I do feel: the first is the old hymn, It is well with my soul (Wiki). The other is “Joy” by Page CXVI. Unless you understand true joy, this song will sound like a depressing dirge rather than the beautiful reality of the Christian life… you don’t need to feel it.

Read more about the story behind “Joy”.