21 Ways To Thrive By 45Sample

Choose Joy

Joy is the difference-maker in the life of a believing woman. It’s evidence that God is at work within her. Joy doesn’t ignore the tragedy or trials of life. It doesn't fake a smile. It's not a fleeting feeling but an acknowledgment of love and hope. It’s the surest thing within us: God is our Helper, our Deliverer. When you hold both tragedy and joy in one hand, it invites restoration. Both now and what’s yet to be. We were born to harbor joy deep within our hearts.

James 1 invites us to consider it all joy. In the mundane, in the unpredictable, and the unforeseen twists in the story, we find joy when we remember this is not our home and love is the final fight. Joy doesn't demand that trouble is removed from our life but rather that we savor any good gift in dark times.

We love and trust him even though we can’t see him. The result? Not a blind faith but an overflow of joy, inexpressible joy. We rejoice in who he is and what he has done. We don’t deny the hardships but hold true to the joy of the Lord. Our strength and salvation.

Joy doesn’t dote on the realities of our situation. It celebrates the truth of heaven. The truth of God’s sovereignty and goodness. We list reason after reason why life has smacked us up one side and down the other, or we may count it all joy. Every trial. Every broken moment. We rejoice because God doesn’t waste any of it. Not one thing.

Joy is a gift. It’s a gift found abundant in the light but most precious and valuable when found in the dark. It’s a gift not only for our own heart but those around us. It invites others to the feet of Jesus to experience his love and mercy. To taste his saving grace.