Finding Joy

Maybe you’re an optimist, and tend to enjoy life. Or maybe you’re like me, a natural pessimist; less apt to “see the bright side.” When it comes down to it, however, we have all faced a time in our lives where the glass truly looked half empty. Sometimes it seems as though joy is simply out of reach, and no matter how hard we try, the pain just won’t go away. However, what we often don’t realize is that we may, in fact, be our own worst enemy.

The truth: Joy will not be found if you do not seek it.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

As strange as it sounds, sometimes we avoid joy and opt for self-pity. When going through a difficult time, it’s so easy to question, react, and review all that has gone wrong. However, in doing this we miss the opportunity to reclaim what has been taken from us in the first place. Our joy. Trials put us in a weak, vulnerable state. Likewise, they can easily overtake us. However, when we choose to seek joy during our trials, and lean on God in our weakness, He will sustain us.

The truth: Holding on to anger and previous pain will hinder you from receiving joy.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19

Sometimes, we hold on to anger and hurt for so long that we are placed in a rut. In fact, we may even try to compartmentalize our anger—making claims such as, “I’ll allow joy in this area of my life…but not that one. I’m still mad about that.” However, anger and pain have a tendency to spill over into every aspect of our lives, thus hindering us from experiencing true joy. Therefore, it is vital that we surrender, forgive, and let go of the past so we are able to see clearly the new, joyous things God has to offer.

The truth: The things you value will determine your fruit.

You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. Luke 6:43-45

It’s also essential that we fill our lives with things and people that build us up. As a natural pessimist, I will admit how easy it is for me to fall out of joy anytime I am exposed to negativity. However, when I place my time and value in relationships and activities that build me up, I am easily encouraged and filled with joy.

Therefore, choose to surrender the anger, the pain, and the strife. Choose to rejoice amidst the trial. Choose to surround yourself with things that build you up. Choose joy.

Until next time,

-Tamara