Restoring the Excitement in Your Christian Life

Nov 10

Habakkuk 3

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

(KJV)

The Fading of Joy

Every Christian faces seasons when joy seems far away. We may look around and see the moral decay in our nation, the spread of evil, or even the spiritual apathy among God’s people. These burdens weigh on the heart and can rob us of the excitement we once felt in our Christian walk.

Habakkuk, the prophet, lived in such a time. His nation had turned away from God, and judgment was coming. Yet in the middle of devastation, Habakkuk proclaimed, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

That statement is astounding. Even when everything around him failed—the crops, the herds, the livelihood—his joy in God remained unshaken.

What can we do when joy is distant in our lives?

1. Remember What It Was Like to Be Lost

Before we can appreciate the joy of salvation, we must remember what it was like without it. Before you knew Christ, sin ruled your life. You may have tried to change, but you couldn’t. You were trapped, powerless, and spiritually dead. But then—Jesus came.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

When Christ saved you, He forgave your sins, broke sin’s power, and gave you a new heart. You were transferred from darkness to light, from death to life, from hopelessness to hope. One of the surest ways to restore joy is to remember what you were saved from.

2. Restudy the Doctrine of Hell

Hell is one of the most sobering doctrines in the Bible—but also one of the most joy-restoring truths for the believer. Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture, warning of its reality and its finality. When we remember that we were once bound for eternal punishment—but now are heirs of eternal life—our hearts overflow with gratitude.

3. Remember This World Is Not Your Home

Much of our discouragement comes from expecting this world to satisfy us. But we are pilgrims here—just passing through. Our citizenship is not of this earth but of heaven. This world is filled with pain, sickness, and death—but it is not the end of the story. When you remember that eternity with Christ awaits, the trials of today lose their power to steal your joy.

4. Focus on the Promises of God

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

Joy is not based on what happens to you—it’s based on who God is. Every promise in Scripture is a source of strength. When you anchor your heart in the faithfulness of God’s Word, joy begins to rise again. Nothing touches your life without His permission. Every trial has a purpose, and every delay has meaning. Joy flows from trusting His plan.

5. Serve Others

One of the great puzzles of the Christian life is that joy grows as you give it away. When you turn your focus inward—on your own pain or disappointments—joy fades. But when you look outward and serve others, your heart begins to heal.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35

6. Obey the Word of God

“He that keepeth the law, happy is he.” — Proverbs 29:18

Obedience brings joy because obedience brings fellowship with God. When we live in disobedience, our hearts grow cold and distant. But when we walk in the light of His Word, our fellowship is restored, and joy naturally follows.

7. Trust Completely in God

“Let those that trust in thee rejoice.” — Psalm 5:11

Worry is a joy-killer. True joy is born from complete confidence that God is good, wise, and in control. When you rest in His sovereignty, you stop trying to control what only He can handle. Trust turns anxiety into peace and fear into faith.

Conclusion: Have You Lost Your Joy?

If your joy has faded, remember: it can be restored. David didn’t pray for a new salvation—he prayed for the joy of his salvation to be renewed. The same God who saved you can reignite your heart today.

Remember where you came from, reflect on what God saved you from, look forward to your heavenly home, rest in His promises, serve others with love, walk in obedience, and trust Him completely.

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.” — Psalm 51:12

Pastor Ruffin Hill

Pastor Hill has faithfully served as the pastor of Gospel Light Church for over 23 years. He is dedicated to preaching the Word of God and guiding others in their walk with Christ. Pastor Hill is married to Monica, and together they make their home in Jones County, NC. With a heart for discipleship he strives to help believers grow in faith and share the truth of the gospel with the world.