The Secret to True JOY!

For years I have been on a mission to find joy in the holiday season.

  • I have scribbled down Bible Verses on Joy.

  • Started a Thankfulness Journal

  • Taken the “25 Days of Joy” Challenge

But every year, I am faced with the emptiness of difficult childhood memories and complete disdain for the cheap “joy” sold to us through marketing ploys and TV ads.

Over the past year, through many challenges, I have uncovered the false narrative of worldly joy and discovered true joy.

Here’s what I learned:

Joy is not happiness. Joy walks stoically, face set like flint, in the midst of chaos and confusion. (Isaiah 50:7)

Joy doesn’t search for the silver lining. Joy clings tightly to the promises of God in times of despair. (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Joy takes the power from a situation, through prayer and petition, and gives it back to our Creator. The only ONE who CAN and WILL make a way. (Psalm 118:22-24)

Joy is not found in the absence of trials, but in the presence of God through our trials. (Psalm 5:11)

How do we begin to live joyfully in this chaotic world?

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” – Psalm 100:4

This is the secret to TRUE JOY!

Start your day praising God for who He is and what He has done for us!

Spend time each day reading God’s word, taking note of His many promises.

No matter what we are facing today, the goodness and mercy of God flows through our lives.

Joy is a choice we make. Not because life is easy or we are strong, but because we are all children of God.

  • We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

  • We are loved and cherished.

  • We are created to do great things.

May your holiday season be filled with beauty and joy as we celebrate the miracle of Jesus.

Melissa Bell1 Comment