Which person comes to mind when you hear the word "joy?"
My answer is Bob Goff. Bob is a best-selling author, popular speaker, and owner of a retreat center that has been a place of deep healing and restoration for my wife and I. Bob's energy, laughter, and passion for loving God and loving people are infectious.
Perhaps the person who comes to mind for you is a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor. That person who seems to be resilient amidst the challenges of daily life, who always seems to put a smile on your face or helps you bounce back from a challenging experience.
This question came to mind as I was listening to Pat Barrett's song "I've Got a Fire" on repeat. The infectious song, filled with passionate lyrics and vibrant saxophone elements, gets into your head very quickly. While the song may not become a staple on Sunday morning setlists at churches like other Barrett tunes have, its lyrics certainly will get stuck in listeners' heads and brighten their days.
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However, my favorite element of the song might be the music video Barrett filmed alongside his father, Marty. Marty embodies the song's joy, and the music video follows him around a small town while he rocks out with old school headphones, dancing as if he's in his own world. The music video culminates with Marty and Pat dancing and playing in a fountain like joyful children.
Pat Barrett remarked on the video in an Instagram post which promoted the launch of the music video. "This is a forever memory for me. Dad has been such a great example of what it looks like to grow older in age and younger in spirit. Of course no one is perfect, that's not even close to the point. The point is we've all been invited by Jesus to live in the miraculous gift of life eternal here and now and one day…forevermore. I'm trying to (daily) say 'yes' to heavenly things while here on earth. The things that no one can take away. That's what this song is about."
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The lyrics and music of "I've Got a Fire" embody the words of Scripture which show us the power of joy that has its source in God. Though Barrett doesn't quote specific passages, his lyrics reminded me of the essence of passages in the Old and New Testaments.
For instance, the title and chorus reminded me of the prophet Jeremiah's words describing how God's word felt within his body. "But if I say I'll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!"
Also, when Barrett sings of a joy that overflows, I was reminded of the words Paul wrote near the end of Romans 15. "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
When Barrett wonders how he could forget all of God's promises, my mind went to Psalm 103:1-2. "Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me."
These Scripture passages are a reminder that we do not worship a cosmic killjoy or a God who wants to see us miserable. Jesus himself told His disciples in John 15, "I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" His whole teaching about the vine and the branches was pointing toward this — that by remaining in Him, we would bear spiritual fruit. The kind Galatians 5 describes, where "joy" shows up second on the list, right after love.
If joy is hard for you, then I would certainly encourage you to listen to "I've Got a Fire" by Pat Barrett, especially the music video. And I'd encourage you to sit with the question of why joy feels distant. Reflect on the Scripture passages here and spend time thinking about this gift from God. If joy is such a big deal to God, then is it any wonder that our enemy does all he can to keep us from it?
Whether joy comes easily or feels out of reach right now, my prayer is that something in this song and these words loosens something in you. We live in a world that is very good at stealing joy. We serve a God who wants His joy to fill us — and overflow.
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker who loves tacos, matcha, and sneakers. With more than twenty years of ministry experience, he teaches with a blend of Biblical truth, emotional awareness, and the compassion shaped by his own struggles.
Scott’s writing has impacted over six million readers through trusted platforms such as the YouVersion Bible App, Air1 Radio, and Our Daily Bread. Whether speaking on a stage or writing on a page, he offers a steady, empathetic voice that reassures people they are seen, loved, and not beyond God's healing reach. Tens of thousands of subscribers from over fifty countries are excited to read his free newsletter every Tuesday morning. You can join here today!
