Can I be honest? Serving others is something we all have good intentions about. We volunteer, we sign up, we say yes. But how many of us have stepped into that role and felt a tug of resentment, or even plain old exhaustion? I know I have. It’s so easy to let obligation sneak in and take over the joy that could be ours—yet finding God in hard times can reframe our perspective. But there is a way to move from just doing the "right thing" to actually serving others with joy—and it changes everything.
Why Serving Others With Joy Often Feels So Hard
I remember one particular day—let’s call it what it was, a rough day—when every request felt heavy. My energy was gone, my patience was thin, and my smile was forced. It’s in those times that serving others with joy can feel impossible. Maybe you’ve been there, dragging heavy trash bags or staying late to help when everyone else has already gone home. The temptation is to ask, “Why am I the only one?” or “Why isn’t anyone noticing my effort?” Hearing God's voice daily can remind us that our work matters.
Here’s what I learned: It's not just about what we're doing, it's about our mindset. Sometimes we get caught up in checking boxes, doing our duty, or waiting for someone to clap for us. But serving others with joy is about so much more than meeting expectations. It’s about finding gratitude in the moment—right where we are, even when no one else sees, through gratitude practices for healing.
What Changes When We Shift From Obligation To Serving Others With Joy?
In our recent podcast episode, Angela shared a moment where dragging out the trash felt more like a burden than a blessing. And I’ve been right there with her. Here’s what happens when we shift the focus and commit to spiritual self-care tips for building strength in difficult seasons. Instead of, “I have to do this,” we start to think, “Wow, I get to do this.” Serving others with joy isn’t about putting ourselves last—it’s about appreciating the opportunities right in front of us.
When we realize that helping a neighbor, bringing a meal, or even just opening the door for someone is a gift, our sense of community grows, Christian community for women. Serving others with joy isn’t dependent on applause or recognition, especially when offering Christian support in crisis. It grows in the quiet, small, unnoticed places—sometimes when we’re the only ones left cleaning up the mess.
The Secret Ingredient: Community And Connection
One of the best ways to make serving others with joy a real, living part of your life is to do it alongside others who lift you up, building Christian community during adversity. Whether that’s your family, a friend from church, or even a new acquaintance who jumps in with you, having others nearby infuses the experience with light. When we serve with people we care about or who value us, the work feels lighter and laughter comes easily. Find someone who will say, “I’ll do that with you.” Watch how much more joy fills your efforts.
How To Find Daily Joy In The Act Of Serving
Here’s the thing about serving others with joy—it thrives where gratitude lives. Small moments matter. Maybe you pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor. Maybe you smile at the person handing you your coffee. Maybe you remember that even washing dishes or tidying up can be an act of love. The more you look for ways to serve, the more natural and joyful it becomes.
I love the wisdom in this verse: “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, CSB). That means God sees the moments that feel hidden. Every act of service sows seeds, and those seeds will grow in ways we can’t always see now.
Serving Out Of Joy—Not Just Duty
It’s easy to get caught up in "shoulds." I should volunteer. I should bring a meal. I should say yes. But serving others with joy isn’t just about duty. It’s about listening to where God nudges your heart. Every one of us is wired differently. Some people love greeting at church, others feel right at home behind the scenes or filling out forms. There’s no one right way to serve.
- Start where you are—use the gifts God gave you
- Say yes to opportunities that give you energy, not just take it
- Invite someone to join you and see how community changes your experience
- Let yourself step back and rest if joy is slipping away
- Pray and ask, “Lord, where can I bring a little more light today?”
The more you look for things that match your passions, the less your serving feels heavy. If you love animals, maybe you walk a dog from a shelter. If you’re quiet by nature, maybe you help sort books at the library. There is joy when we serve in ways that fit our hearts.
Practical Mindset Shifts For Serving Others With Joy
I know, sometimes joy feels just out of reach. But this mindset shift is possible. Here’s how I work on it in my own life:
- Pause before saying yes. Ask, “Can I serve well here? Can I do it with joy?”
- If you feel drained, step back and fill up—rest, reset, pray.
- Look for small wins. Every smile, every thank you, every act of kindness counts.
- Shift your perspective—I get to, not I have to. Even mundane things are sacred if done with love.
- Let go of what others think—God sees you, and that’s enough.
Serving others with joy often means silencing the inner critic. It means letting go of expectations. It’s seeing the beauty in small beginnings. It’s finding sunshine after a hard night, and remembering that every season is temporary.
How To Build Joyful Habits In Serving Others
Sometimes serving others with joy is a muscle we have to build. The more we use it, the easier it becomes. And yes, sometimes you try new things and it’s awkward or doesn’t feel like a fit. That’s okay. When we keep putting ourselves out there, new doors open. New friendships develop. And often, the most rewarding experiences come from stepping out, even when we’re unsure.
Challenge yourself. Reach out to someone today—a neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger. Do something small on purpose. Bring a meal, open a door, share a smile. The more you look for ways to brighten someone’s day, the more your joy will grow. And that joy is contagious. It fills rooms and hearts, starting with your own.
The Spiritual Impact Of Serving Others With Joy
All of this ties back to walking in God’s purpose. Serving others with joy reminds us that we’re not just here for ourselves. We are made to look beyond our own comfort (and yes, sometimes our routines) and ask, “How can I be part of what God is doing for someone else today?” It is not about losing yourself in service. It’s about finding deeper purpose and gladness right in the work, big or small.
Here’s my encouragement, friend. Serving others with joy doesn’t mean you never get tired. It doesn’t mean you always get it right. It means you keep your eyes open to the blessings around you. It means you keep showing up, heart first, letting God guide your steps. When you do, you begin to see every act of service as a moment where His love is poured out, both to others and back to you.
How To Apply This Today
Want to practice serving others with joy? Start with a question: “God, what do You want me to do today?” Listen, and be open to the small nudges. Maybe you send a text to someone who’s struggling. Maybe you volunteer for something different than usual. Maybe you simply share a genuine smile with someone who needs it. Every bit counts.
If you want more encouragement on this, give our latest podcast episode a listen. Angela and I talk through moving from obligation to joy and share more stories just like these. And I’d love to hear from you—how are you experiencing joy in serving others today?
Keep putting those perspectives into practice. Your small yes can spark big joy—not just in others, but in you too.
