Finding Joy follows the emotional and unexpected journey of Joy Matthews, a hardworking single mother living in Atlanta who has spent years putting everyone else’s happiness before her own. After losing her job right before Christmas, Joy reaches a breaking point, unsure how she’ll support her teenage daughter, Maya. Meanwhile, her estranged sister, Denise, suddenly returns home with troubles of her own, forcing old wounds to reopen.
When Joy crosses paths with Pastor Michael Harper (played by Tyler Perry), she reluctantly accepts his offer to join a church volunteering program that helps families in crisis. At first skeptical, Joy slowly begins to reconnect with her own purpose. Through late-night talks, community outreach, and emotional breakthroughs, Joy discovers her strength has been buried under years of sacrifice and self-doubt.
As Joy regains confidence, Maya becomes distant, feeling overshadowed by her mother’s newfound focus. Things escalate when Denise secretly plans to move Maya to another city, believing Joy can’t provide stability. This betrayal leads to the film’s emotional turning point: a heated confrontation that forces the sisters to face long-held resentment and hidden pain.
On Christmas Eve, Joy uncovers Denise’s plan and races across town to stop her. Their argument turns into a tearful reconciliation, revealing Denise’s depression and fear of being alone. Through forgiveness and understanding, the family begins to heal.
In the final act, Pastor Harper reveals a surprise: Joy has been nominated for a community leadership award, and a new job opportunity awaits her. Joy finally realizes that happiness isn’t something she has to chase — it’s something she builds, one choice at a time.
The film ends with Joy, Maya, and Denise celebrating Christmas together, symbolizing a fresh start and the return of family unity.