J is for JOY!

I love how Kay Warren describes joy:

"Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation."

Life brings with it pain, disappointment, regret, boredom and a whole list of other things that can make it hard to feel joy. But we often confuse happiness and joy, don’t we? Happiness is a finicky thing. Sometimes I think, “If only I could lose ten pounds, I would be happy”, or “if only I was more advanced in my career, I’d be happy”. “If only I could do ____, then I’d be happy”. “If only my life turned out the way I planned, I’d know and experience joy.”

I’ve somehow bought into this belief that joy is a destination place - some form of an arrival. I thought joy would be marked by a milestone or achievement, certainly involving feelings of happiness. I never imagined I would experience joy in the darkest or most ordinary of places.

We’ve somehow confused joy for happiness. Happiness is a superficial emotion based on external and often times, temporary circumstances. Joy is deeper.

As Christians, we can choose joy when we realize that God loves us completely and walks with us – even through the dreary, foggy days. For me, joy for me is the realization that God is with me.

May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

I’ve shared in recent posts that the past several years have been the most trying for Nate and I. I hope that someday I will have the freedom to share more openly, but for now certain details must remain private. But as I look back on what have been some hellish days, I can honestly say that these years have bestowed on me a greater level of certainty. Sure, while my immediate future is uncertain and shaky at best, I am more certain than ever that God is for me. Through these years of roaming through the wilderness, looking for something certain to hold onto, I am more aware of His steadfastness. I see it through the way He has provided for us financially. I see it through the way He has carried us relationally. I see it through the way that He has brought healing in my life—emotionally and physically. So while there have been some really dark days, more than I care to admit, I have this “settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation” (Kay Warren). And that, my friends, is deep joy.

Celebration Song, Rend Collective