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! 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.
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, 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! :) 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! 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! 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! 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. 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! 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! :) 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. 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! 3/30/2017 09:16:13 am
Oh, how I need this reminder that joy is a choice -- a matter of focus! 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. 3/31/2017 12:02:12 am
I want to thank you, Naomi. 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. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Hi there!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! upcoming webinar for prospective and new foster & adoptive parents!
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