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​​bits of joy

being intentional about choosing joy.

2/28/2017

40 Comments

 
Being intentional about choosing joy, even when circumstances are hard. What the Bible has to say about joy.
There are moments, days, seasons that are full of good news. Things have fallen into place, and even if there's a challenge, it is easy to look around at all that is going well. Choosing joy in these times is still necessary, though the choice is arguably easier when the joy flows naturally within our circumstances.

But what about moments, days, seasons that are hard? Ones where things seem to be falling apart, and even if there's a glimpse of good news, it is easy to look around at all that is going wrong?
In December, shortly after I launched the blog, I shared about the faithfulness of God during a particularly hard month. Little did I know, that was the beginning of a season that would require being quite intentional about choosing joy.

I know there are those whose suffering runs deeper than I've ever known. Chronic illness, the death of a loved one, homelessness, abandonment. I am not implying your situation does not warrant mourning. Rather, if you are in a season of grief and hurting, please email me so that I can pray with and for you!

But I write this from a place of experiencing a season where joy did not come easily for me. In the period of 3 short months we were faced with an unexpected injury, illness, loss of work, attachment issues, severe behavioral challenges, loss of a loved one, and heart breaking news about a child we had prayed 2 years for.

Yesterday, we received a phone call about one of our children's health, and the information was overwhelming. I received the phone call just as I was processing the 'failure' of my plan to publish the children's book I have been working on. It was, again, a day where I had to choose joy intentionally. So, here I am, friends. Sharing in the hopes of encouraging you. It is possible to be intentional about choosing joy.

​Let's take some time to dig into what the Bible has to say about joy, and then I'll share some 'how tos' that I pray will help you in your journey!
​

JOY Printable

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JOY Printable

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what joy is.

​​It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

​Proverbs 21:15
​Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.

​Jeremiah 15:16
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

​Galatians 5:22&23
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

​Hebrews 12:1&2

where joy is found.

​You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

​Psalm 16:11
The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.

​Isaiah 29:19
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

​Isaiah 61:10
​Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

​Habakkuk 3:18
​So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

​Matthew 28:8
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

​John 15:11

why we can have joy.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.

​​Psalm 5:11
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

​Psalm 30:5
And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.

​Psalm 35:9
​And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

​Isaiah 35:10
Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted.

​Isaiah 49:13
​To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

​Isaiah 61:3
​Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

​Romans 15:13

when we should have joy.

Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.

​Isaiah 61:7
Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

​Luke 6:22&23
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

​2 Corinthians 7:4
That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

​2 Corinthians 8:2
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

​James 1:2&3

how we can be intentional about choosing joy.

  • Worship. Put on worship music, and praise God for who He is. When our spirits are acknowledging the glory of God, His joy fills us.
  • Pray. Surrender your anxious thoughts to Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
  • Talk to a trusted friend or pastor. We are not meant to grieve alone. God's Word tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15) If you need to mourn, don't do it in solitude - invite God, and a trusted person to walk alongside you, that your joy may be restored.
  • Get in the Word. The verses posted above aren't just niceties - they are the living, active Word of God. His Words do not return void - they accomplish what they were set forth to do! (Isaiah 55:11)
  • Dwell on the pure and lovely. (Philippians 4:8) This may be easier said then done, but God is pure and lovely. He is faithful and present. 
  • Make a gratitude list. If you are struggling to find things to be grateful for, ask Holy Spirit to renew the joy of your salvation.
  • Jesus. If you have read this far and don't have a personal relationship with Jesus --- but you're wondering if that might help you find true joy, please please contact me! I assure you, life with Jesus isn't free from trials, but even hard days are infinitely more beautiful than life without Him on the best day.
  • Stop comparing. Comparison is the thief of joy! Oh, how I have lived this! I cannot tell you how many times I have allowed comparison to rob my joy and replace it with inferiority! It's a lie from the pit of hell. Don't buy it.
What the Bible says about JOY. 21 scriptures about what joy is, where it is found, why and when we should have it! Visit the blog for practical ways you can choose joy - even when circumstances are hard.
​What situations - big or small - have you allowed to steal your joy? How are you intentional about choosing joy? Is there something you can do today to choose joy?
40 Comments
Carmen link
3/1/2017 11:04:45 am

You are so inspiring! All of that is such a short time and yet you are still holding on to the Lord first. I am excited to see what God is going to do in your lives for all the faith and obedience you and your family has been giving!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:40:42 pm

Carmen, you're so sweet! God is so very faithful, and He's been with us every step of the way! Don't let this post fool you --- I'm still very much learning how to choose joy! But, I believe often times God allows us to share from our places of weakness so He can show off His strength! :)

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Abbey link
3/1/2017 11:09:49 am

Joy is so important! I love all of those Scriptures that you shared, and your ways to be intentional with joy! Worship always brings me joy!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:42:09 pm

Yes! Worship music is a favorite! Alternatively, Lecrae, Toby Mac, or Thousand Foot Krutch can be found blaring in our home to facilitate joy! :)

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Natalie @ Milk & Honey Faith link
3/1/2017 11:31:22 am

Thank you for all of these awesome verses about joy! I really needed these this morning. You have incredible faith and what you are doing is making an impact!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:43:32 pm

Thank you so much, Natalie! I am glad the scriptures encouraged you! :)

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Laura link
3/1/2017 12:05:39 pm

The most important thing to remember about joy is that it's a choice. I have to pray for God to help me choose it.

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:44:52 pm

Amen! Isn't it amazing to know we serve a God who is willing to help us choose JOY?! It's part of His nature to help us move forward in His perfect will - and relying on His help to do so is such an important part of the process!

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Jessica link
3/1/2017 01:24:04 pm

Yes! I am so thankful you shared all these amazing verses! Choosing joy can be so hard sometimes. When I feel like there is nothing to be joyful about I remind myself of the cross. That Jesus has overcome the grave. I choose to focus on Gods promises and it helps give me hope for tomorrow!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:46:04 pm

I'm so glad the verses blessed you, Jessica! And yes - sometimes starting at the most basic - starting at the beginning - allows us to gain a heavenly perspective, so that we can see all the other blessings around us!

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molly link
3/1/2017 01:26:19 pm

Choosing Joy is a daily goal of mine, some days it's easy, some days, not so much... but on the days that I do, my heart is more full and my family seems more at peace!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:47:34 pm

Amazing, isn't it, how our attitudes and choices impact those around us?? It's an incredible responsibility - and honor. Because while it is sometimes quite difficult, God has given us the ability to welcome Him into not only our hearts and moments, but our homes and families. When we allow Him, He uses us as instruments of His joy and grace!

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Liz Rigby link
3/1/2017 02:27:24 pm

You did a fantastic job putting this together, so thorough! Praying with you during your difficult season <3

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:48:26 pm

I just love your encouraging heart, Liz! Thank you for stopping by, reading, and praying!!! :)

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Ashley link
3/1/2017 02:28:18 pm

This was really great. I love how practical it is!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:48:57 pm

Thank you, Ashley!

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Bethany link
3/1/2017 02:41:23 pm

Thank you for taking the time to share and encourage others while in the midst of your difficult time! Great reminders.

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:50:11 pm

So glad this was encouraging to you, Bethany! Thank you for taking the time to read it and leave a comment! I'm glad you stopped by!

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Christa s sterken link
3/1/2017 03:33:15 pm

You did such a beautiful job at helping us to find the source of Joy~ the always needed reminder that we have the gift of "choosing'' it in the hardest hours.

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:52:24 pm

Christa, thank you so much for your kind words! Truly, that was my heart! To help others identify this gift we've each been given - the gift of choosing.

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Summer Overstreet link
3/1/2017 09:15:17 pm

Naomi, you are a joy to me! I have so enjoyed reading about your large, growing family. God has special plans for you and it brings Him joy that you choose joy, gratitude and a pleasant mindset no matter what the circumstances. I have always found that when I choose to be joyful, it makes my problems a little less upsetting. Thank you for sharing your heart and for all of the verses that you shared!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:55:49 pm

Oh Summer! I could certainly say the same to you! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement! I am still working on making this my default --- but the truth is, more often than I care to admit, I am having to apologize for making the wrong choice initially, before embracing the heart attitude He desires! A work in progress, for sure! :)

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Sonya C. link
3/1/2017 11:33:54 pm

Oh how I needed this post! What an excellent resource to pull out for when I need a reminder. Definently pinning this!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:56:49 pm

Sonya, I'm so glad this encouraged you! I know I'm going to need this list again! In fact, I'm thinking I might condense it into a printout I can keep handy ;)

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Ayanna link
3/3/2017 12:20:01 pm

Love this! It is so important for us to be intentional about choosing joy, especially when everything around us is screaming the opposite. Praying for you and your family through this difficult season!🙏🏽

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 03:59:10 pm

Amen! Thank you for the prayers --- there are truly appreciated!

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Kendra link
3/3/2017 05:00:20 pm

This is so encouraging! I can completely relate, I feel like we are just entering a new season after almost 2 years of fighting and trying to choose joy and contentment in the process. Thank you for sharing your story!!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 04:01:21 pm

Kendra, those seasons are so hard --- and 2 years is such a long time! Glad to hear a new season is upon you, and praying for answered prayers, realized dreams, and a season of favorable circumstances and open doors!

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Brenda link
3/3/2017 05:15:27 pm

I like how you included so many Scriptures about joy and then gave us practical ways to apply them.

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 04:02:16 pm

So good to hear! Thank you for stopping by, Brenda! :)

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Rebekah link
3/7/2017 09:22:38 am

I love making gratitude/thankful lists. Sometimes it can be hard to think of something right away, but once I can find one thing, I start seeing God's goodness all over the day. Thanks for sharing how we can choose joy!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 04:03:44 pm

Yes! Sometimes we have to start at the beginning, and allow our eyes to be opened to the blessings around us!

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angela link
3/7/2017 06:43:02 pm

This was a needed blessing I really needed today. Thank you so much for sharing it!

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Naomi link
3/10/2017 04:04:18 pm

Oh Angela! So glad God used this to encourage you!

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Lauren C. Moye link
3/23/2017 10:59:10 pm

What a great list of Scriptures. I love your suggestions for being intentional about joy as well. It can be so hard to do sometimes.

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Erin @ Momma's Living Room link
3/24/2017 03:16:13 pm

What an excellent post and resource on the subject of joy! I loved your list of ways that we can be intentional about joy. My personal favorite way to focus myself on reasons to be joyful is to consider things I'm thankful for. Even in the midst of harsh seasons of grief, there's always a way that God is coming through. Recently, my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This means that he is now insulin dependent for the rest of his life (unless a cure is found). It's so overwhelming to consider that I now have to give him shots a minimum of 4 times a day (to keep him alive). In the midst of this life-changing diagnosis, I was able to find joy in the timing of his diagnosis. I was able to find joy that we had answers to questions that we didn't even realize we were asking. I was able to find joy in our amazing hospital staff that gave us time to let all this soak in before we stepped into managing our son's condition. While it's life-threatening, it could have been so much worse than what it was. I'm so thankful to be serving a God that cares about the details. It's because of Him that I can find joy in this situation!

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Michele Morin link
3/30/2017 09:16:13 am

Oh, how I need this reminder that joy is a choice -- a matter of focus!

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Gentle Joy Homemaker link
3/30/2017 03:36:06 pm

What great words and reminders to look for joy and to have joy. We have gone through many of those hard times and it is amazing that the peace of God can be there.. and joy also. Thank you.

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Gleniece Lytle link
3/31/2017 12:02:12 am

I want to thank you, Naomi.
Before reading this, I was in a slump of despair, the beginnings of a familiar pattern I struggle within myself. Thank you for these hopeful verses! How great is our God to uplift the downtrodden! (And even your cheerful profile pic has perked me up.)
Sending you my love, sister. ❤

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Liz Rigby link
4/5/2017 07:37:42 am

God knew I needed to read this again :) Nothing like getting some glory out of these verses when my 6 year old gets me out of bed an hour before my alarm clock! Just seeing your lovely face in the sidebar did my heart good <3 Thanks for sharing this in the Word Warriors linkup! Love you, girl.

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    Here you will find the musings of a homeschooling, work from home, adoptive Momma of 6! Adventures in faith, family, adoption, and training up a tribe of little people to follow hard after Jesus are spilled into these posts --- most often written with a cup of coffee in hand. I hope you'll stick around a while and find something - more likely SOMEONE! - that brings you hope!
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