When I started writing about finding joy in life several years ago, things were pretty challenging. My 20+ year marriage had ended, and I needed an outlet. In spite of the betrayal and upheaval, God had prepared me for the changes coming. He gave me my second life verse, James 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials”. I was certainly experiencing trials! In spite of everything going on and the devastation and destruction of my family, I still had joy, trusting that God was going to see me through.
That was eight years ago. And it has been a roller coaster ride ever since!
I had to find a job and figure out how to support myself and my kids. My soon-to-be ex was barely interested in paying child support, much less alimony. Never mind the fact that I had been a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling our kids for most of those 20+ years.
My career field had left me behind, as I had depended on him for our livelihood. So, in addition to rebuilding my life, I also began rebuilding my career. It was difficult, but God provided opportunities I needed.
Then there was drama. Drama with my kids. And drama with my ex. And drama with needing to move. SO MUCH DRAMA.
Blessings in the trials
But there were also blessings.
I began dating a wonderful man that I later married. He has been an incredible blessing in the midst of all the upheaval in the last eight years. And I am beyond blessed to be his wife.
Even so, there have been challenges there, as well. For example, my husband has had health challenges that landed him in the emergency room on multiple occasions. Thankfully, God has seen fit to spare his life and grow our love.
Not only have there been personal challenges, but there have been many changes and challenges in society. We survived the Covid era, as well riots and contentious elections (that has led to some contentious interpersonal relationships).
It just seems like there have been SO MANY challenges over the last eight years. It is just HARD! It is sometimes hard to find joy in living what many consider a normal life. It’s that much harder to find joy in the trials we face.
Do you ever feel that way?
I know my circumstances are different from yours; my experiences are different; and my trials are different. But maybe you have similar feelings of anxiety and just not being able to find the joy that we know we are supposed to have as followers of Christ.
I haven’t felt this hopeless in a very long time, even when my close relationships shut down. Even when my marriage ended. Even when facing financial challenges…multiple times. I always had hope. But now, everything just feels so overwhelming!
How do we find joy when we feel hopeless?
So, in the face of hopelessness, how do we find joy? We know we are supposed to have joy, but how do we handle it when joy seems out of reach?
If you’re looking for hard and fast answers, you’re not alone. I am looking for them, too. This is not the place to find them. I don’t have a handy list of “dos” and “don’ts” to find joy. I only wish it was that easy.
However, this IS a place where we can explore together to learn to look for joy in the everyday, in the celebratory moments, and even in our trials.
One thing that has helped me keep hope is to remember that Jesus never promised things in this life were going to be easy. In fact, John 16 :33 warns us that we are going to have problems in life. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Where to find joy
Our peace, and ultimate joy, does not come from our circumstances or the world events unfolding around us. It comes from Him. And the closer we walk with Him, the greater peace we will have. I don’t say this as someone who has it all figured out, or even as someone who has the most consistent relationship with Him. But I do say it as someone who is trying to walk in greater relationship with Him. I am a broken work in progress, but He meets me where I am. And He will do the same for you!T
This has not answered many questions you might have about how to survive your circumstances or the disintegration of the world around us. But it is an honest reflection of where I am at the moment. Which is where I suspect many of you might be.
I often have to remind myself that things here are only temporary. In Romans 8:18, Paul reminds his readers, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” We are going to have trouble in this world that is passing away daily. BUT it is only temporary! As believers, we have greater hope than what is around us. That is where we find our joy.
Yes, we will have trouble and tribulation in this world, but He has overcome the world, and He is with us until the end. And that is enough reason to have hope. That is enough reason to look for joy.
My prayer is that something written here resonates with you and encourages you to have hope and look for joy. I’d love to hear from you! Tell me your story of joy and hope at tamarajoye@countitalljoye.com.