Have you heard the words, “this is the day the Lord has made” or “every day is a new beginning”?
Life is tough and we don’t always want to say those words with deep meaning. We have trials that come and problems that arise but I want to speak to finding joy in that moment. When a baby is born or a child graduates, a new job is found or a home bought, we rejoice. Our joy is right there bubbling over whether it is our accomplishment or someone else’s.
But what about when the tough days come? What happens when you say the final goodbye to a loved one or enter the hospital sick and needing surgery? And when that child you had such joy bringing into the world is now breaking your heart with the path they have chosen, where is the joy then?
Joy can be constantly in your life. It can! If we can find our joy in the good times, we can pull that joy up into our grieved hearts during the hard times. How so? For starters, we must know the ONE who gives joy. Is Christ the center of your life and has He given you joy?
“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” Psalm 5:11
When Christ is center of our lives and our joy starts to slip then knowing His Word will help us greatly. So another way to find that joy is to study His Word. The pleasures that come not only from a daily commune with God but knowing His Word is that we can walk the paths of life with calmness and joy.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16:11
Prayer – it is always a great way to have that joy bubbling up in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for that we can just start there until our joy is laughing inside us and coming up to show on our face. I tell my kids that simple phrase, “we are too blessed to be stressed” because just the fact that we have the breath of life today means we are blessed. Praise Him and find your joy!
“Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.” Psalm 43:4
You know I have to talk about singing. Is there anything more joyful than singing in praise to God? I love to sing. My youngest daughter loves to sing. We sing together and already she is learning and remembering songs. They come to her mind when we talk. We love to jump in with “I have a song for that” when talking. Singing is not only a way to find and keep your joy but it is also a way we can worship God. You don’t have to have a “voice” or be “able to sing”. ANYONE can sing so start finding your joy through song today!
”Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.” Psalm 81:1
Last but not least is finding your joy in your local church. There is so much joy to be found in speaking with God’s people. I love our church. Best of times come when you are in church fellowshipping with God’s people and being challenged in His Word. The whole experience is one I need on repeat weekly which is why I’m always glad to be in the house of God.
“When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.” Psalm 42:4
Have you realized your joy is there just needing some help to come out? Can you follow these steps and walk with joy in the Lord today? This doesn’t mean you have to run up and down the aisles at Walmart or even do somersaults in the street. Joy can be quiet. It can be sweet. Joy can be complete just resting in Him. Praise Him today for the joy He alone can give!