“Find Joy“

We’re Christian women. Shouldn’t we be joyful at all times? Even when: we haven’t had a shower in two days– because we’re taking care of sick children, the dog got out for the third time this week, we’re stuck in traffic, there’s more bills than paycheck at the end of month etc.? I certainly could go on, but I think you get where I’m coming from. Finding joy when life is running smoothly is easy, but when things go topsy-turvy, then our joy often turns into frustration and anger.   

Remember that no matter what you’re going through or what the situation looks like, God is beside you. He’s walking you through the good, the bad and the ugly. Knowing that our Heavenly Father is trudging through life with us and that we’re not alone gives us unspeakable joy.   

A very dear friend of mine lost her courageous battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, just after a few short months.  Knowing that she probably had limited time here on earth, she found a way to find joy in everything she did, professionally and personally. Her mantra was “Do Joy Now.” She found joy in the big things as well as the little things.  What an inspiration she was, both in her living and in her dying! If you use the hashtag #dojoynow, you will see her joy still inspiring others to “Do Joy Now.”   

Is it easy to find joy in all things at all times?  No, it is not.  We must intentionally “Do Joy Now” and see joy even when we don’t want to. The bible says, the Joy of the Lord is our strength.  When you’re feeling defeated, and your joy tank is empty, find joy in whatever you’re going through. You’ll find your inward joy expressed through your outward happiness.   

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” -Psalm 16:11