Seventeen years ago I decided to start a small business selling baby slings. When it was time to set up a website, I had to choose a name. What came to me was a surprise, because it wasn’t really me: The Joyful Mama.
There was something in this name that seemed right, but it sure didn’t describe me. I had a five year old and a toddler, and my husband traveled every week… and even some weekends. I was tired, depressed, and grouchy. Our marriage was struggling. My kids made me feel happy sometimes, but joy was elusive.
I remember thinking, “Well, this name is just going to have to be prophetic, because it sure seems right.” We bought the domain and set up the website.
God is faithful! He did indeed take that exhausted young mother and transformed her into a joyful mama from the inside out. (You can read a little more about that journey here and here.)
You see, there is just no way to make yourself joyful. You can’t fake your way to joy. God, through His Word, steadily showed me how to change my thinking, how to change my priorities, how to abide with Him.
Joy is not Circumstantial
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:24
Happiness is not a fruit of the Spirit. So how is joy different from happiness? Joy does not depend on the circumstances around us.
I have a dear friend with a debilitating chronic illness. She spends much of her time in pain. Yet she is one of the most joyful people I know. She has seen the fruit of joy come out of allowing Jesus into her suffering.
Is she ever grumpy? You bet. But those are passing moments, not a permanent state. She sees her life with eyes that have been refined by holy fire (Malachi 3:1-3), and those eyes have been trained to see blessing and gift in every moment, even the struggles.
Joy Comes From Him
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22
Joy which is everlasting comes only from the Lord. No one can take His joy from you!
Read that again, friend: no one and nothing can take the joy of the Lord from you. It is a gift to you from Him. I promise you the world will try. But you are His, and you have received His joy!
Joy Is Strength
do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b
There is a power that comes with the joy that the Lord gives. It is a strength that allows His children to stand firm with confidence. Our hearts have seen and known Him, and the joy of a life lived with Him gives us resilience in the face of challenge.
Jesus Fills Us With Joy
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
Jesus doesn’t promise a tiny bit of joy, no, He promises fullness of joy! Ask and receive! There is no way to keep that joy from spilling out of you and blessing all those around you. That is Jesus in you!
May you feel the fruit of joy in a powerful and new way today!
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