As followers of Christ, we are called to live a life of joy, regardless of our circumstances.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (CSV)
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it's easy to lose sight of this. However, scripture reminds us that joy is a choice, and it's a fruit of the Spirit that dwells within us.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV - emphasis added)
In this season, I invite you to join me in exploring together what it means to choose joy and how we can cultivate this attitude in our daily lives, despite our circumstances.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
The apostle Paul writes these words from a prison cell, demonstrating that joy is not dependent on our external circumstances; instead, it's rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When we choose to focus on Him, we experience a deep and lasting joy that transcends life's challenges.
My sister Sara in some ways was like Paul, only her prison cell was her body and her home. Sara lived with chronic pain for almost two decades as the result of a rare autoimmune disease, eventually becoming confined to the four walls of her home. If anyone had reason to focus on the unfairness of life, it was her. Yet, Sara accomplished something remarkable despite her circumstances. She chose joy!
When Sara was asked how she would define joy, she penned this answer:
“Joy is the unwavering trust that God knows what He is doing
and has blessed me with the opportunity to be part of it.
Not despite what is happening in my life, but because of it.
When everything earthly feels heavy,
He gives me an internal lightness that can’t be touched.”
Before we can choose joy, we must identify the barriers that prevent us from experiencing it. Some common obstacles that I know I have to be intentional in working through include:
Fear and Anxiety - When fear and anxiety creep in, I begin to feel less and less joy in my life. So how do I let go of fear and anxiety?
I ask myself if I really trust God?
Because if I really trust Him, and I really believe that He cares about every hair on my head, I have nothing to fear. Regardless of what happens in my life, I know He will make sure I am ok. God has asked me to draw a line in the sand and choose Him or fear. I can’t choose both.
I choose Him.
I may still wonder and have questions about whatever is going on in my life, but the fear eventually fades and I begin to feel joy again.
Discontentment and comparison - Focusing on what I lack rather than what I have will lead to dissatisfaction, which robs me of joy.
One of Sara’s life goals was to “Love what I have and not yearn for what I lack.” When I long for what someone else has, the sins of jealousy, anxiety, and resentment creep into my life. I’ve come to realize in my own life that it is easier to choose joy if I care more about the other person than myself, if I choose to be happy for them and excited about the blessings God has provided to them.
I imagine we all react differently when other people’s lives remind us of what we don’t have or what we’ve lost. But as Maya Angelou so eloquently put it, “I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.”
So despite what is happening in my life, I can choose joy by:
Gratitude - Reflect on the blessings in my life, no matter how small they may seem.
Worship - Praise God through music, prayer, or journaling.
Scripture Meditation - Allow God's Word to renew my mind and transform my thoughts.
Community - Surround myself with people who encourage and uplift me.
Service - Find joy in serving others and spreading God's love.
Choosing joy is a deliberate decision, one that requires intentional effort and commitment. I invite you to embark on this journey with me. Remember that joy is not the absence of challenges but the presence of Christ in the midst of them.
What are some things that steal your joy? How can you cultivate gratitude in your daily life? What Scripture verses bring you comfort and joy?
I pray that together we can embrace this season of joy and that our lives will be transformed by the power of His presence, knowing that it’s a fruit of His Spirit within us.
With love and joy,
Laura
P.S. if you want to know more about Sara’s story, you can purchase her book, Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts, most everywhere books are sold.
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