Finding Joy in the Midst
Finding joy in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life is easier said than done. Whether you are a wife, a mother, a student, work, or stay at home, life is stressful. We often turn to the world to bring us pleasure, in hope that it will satisfy our anxiety filled hearts. We think the more we have, the happier we will be. The more we go out with our friends, the less we will feel lonely. The more successful we are, the better we are. We are always looking for ways to quench our appetite for euphoria. But are we really looking in the right places?
As a mother, wife, and once full time student, I often find myself struggling to stay joyous. I get so overwhelmed with life, that I lose sight of where happiness truly comes from. I lose sight of the One person who is actually able to cure my anxious heart.
Friends are very important, and yes, we can pour our hearts out to them and they will listen, but this won’t bring us long term joy. Of course we feel all bubbly inside when we buy a new toy, but when the new wears off, we are no longer satisfied. And while being successful does bring us a certain amount of happiness, what if we suddenly lost it all? Would we still be happy? If we lost our friends, our worldly possessions, our money, would we still have joy in our hearts? If your joy doesn’t come from the lord, then the answer is no.
The thief cometh not, but to steal, kill, and destroy. The devil would love nothing more than to rob us of our joy. Don’t give him your victory. Your victory comes from above! Your victory comes from the one that will provide you with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
When you have reached your breaking point, cry out to God. Remember, “they that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” When you are lost and don’t know where to turn, turn to His word.
-Psalm 126:5
Remember, the world will only provide joy for a time, but joy in the Lord, will last forever.
When your kids drive you to the edge of your sanity, and you feel you have failed as a mother, remember, God has given us grace. The same grace he shows us, as adults, show to your children. God must think highly of you to have you bare such a miracle. If He thinks you are capable, you are.
When your marriage is in a slump and you feel there is no hope, remember, weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. “When there is no hope, there is grace. When you feel too weak to stand, let the blood take your place.”
When work or school seems too much to bare, remember, God will never put more on you than you can possibly take. Put your faith and trust in Him, He will not forsake you.
When I find my heart is troubled, I go to the rock that is higher than I. I take my cares to Him, and he provides me the with the ultimate peace.
Lord, when life becomes too much for us to bare, please give us strength to endure. When our hearts are overwhelmed, please fill them with peace and comfort. Help us not to be overcome with everyday annoyances, but to instead exhort the grace that you shed upon us. Please Lord, help us to find joy in the midst of the journey of life.