Throughout this battle, I am choosing to fight with joy. To lay hold of happiness in every situation. To choose to laugh despite circumstances. To pursue gladness with every breath.
I’m taking on this Goliath battle, not with a handful of stones, but a balloon of joy. In the midst of the darkness, we will laugh and play and celebrate.
Will you join me?
No matter what you’re experiencing, what circumstances you’re going through, you can lay hold of joy beginning right now.
Here are 4 secrets to find joy TODAY:
- Be Thankful. Whisper words of gratitude to God today. [Tweet this] Spend at least ten minutes sharing what you are grateful for—from the clothes your wearing to the intricate structure of the tree outside. Notice how gratitude shifts your focus and reminds you how many gifts you’ve been blessed with. Share what you’re thankful for on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram using hashtag #1000gifts and #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK.
- Choose to Forgive. Do you have any relationships that need reconciling? Lay hold of forgiveness and choose to let it go today. Make a phone call, schedule a time to grab coffee, and extend grace. Choose forgiveness and find freedom from anger, bitterness, and resentment. The result is joy upon joy! [Tweet this]
- Serve others. Go out of your way to show an act of kindness to someone else today. Start up a conversation with a stranger. Bring dinner to a friend’s house. Drop off your BFFs favorite Starbucks drink. Pay for the car behind you in the drive-thru. Serving others invites joy to well up inside of you, and extends the invitation to others, too! [Tweet this]
- Open Your Eyes to Wonder. Set your alarm to watch the sunrise or sunset. Spend time on your floor just playing with your child. Cuddle with your spouse or pet. Step outside and drink in God’s beauty.
Scrunch your face against the vault of heaven in holy expectation that God will meet you in beautiful and mysterious ways. Look for God to reveal himself in creation, friendships, prayer, and more. Be reminded that God desires to captivate you with himself each and every day, filling you with unending joy. [Tweet this]
What is your secret to finding joy?
Definitely all of the above Margaret, however, my favorite is little surprise gifts or cards.to hopefully put a smile on a friend’s face that is going through a tough time. I love trying to think of ways to drop these surprise blessings off to them or what little thing will most bring that smile to their face. I’m like a little kid waiting to see and hear their reaction…not because I want a pat on the back but because their joy brings me joy.
Tara, your sweet gifts and encouragement have been such a blessing and source of joy for me! I know it first hand. Thank you sweet friend.
First of all….Margaret ….continued prayers and what an encouragement to hear your heart as you walk this hard journey…because of the back drop of your words they come with great wisdom and power…God turned my heart inside out when I read 1000 gifts…I am amazed how it transformed my heart and my vision…and it prepared me to drink deeper when I read Wonderstruck…I now see God has hidden treasures even in the darkest of places….blessings and grace to you!!!!
Sweet Ro, Your prayers mean more than you know. Hug!
Bless you & thank you for the reminder. Ps.103:2-5
Hug to you today, Peach!
What an example you are, Joy, as you face your battle–with joy!
I find joy when I give it away. And since comfort is my specialty, I love giving away copies of my little book, “A Friend in the Storm” wherever I go. So many people are hurting, so these little acts of love somehow stir up joy, which only boomerangs back to me. Kind of like what you’re doing: recycling contagious joy.
You’re truly a wonder. We’ve got the joy because we’re truth-dwellers rather than cave-dwellers. We know the end of the story, and that God truly has a better plan than all our pain.
Way to trust God in your storm! Keeping ballooning up the joy!
Thanks for your sweet encouragement, Cheryl. Hug to you today!
To remember things I love. Balloons, color, rainbows, my daughter’s laugh. Simple things!
Yes yes yes! Love this tip, Reynada!
I find joy when I plant my feet on God’s truth. His unchanging character and faithfulness in all things allows me to rest in the midst of difficult times. It isn’t always about immediate deliverance from our circumstances. Sometimes we find joy in who God is even when our circumstances don’t change. Sending love, joy, and peace in the Savior!
Amen, Charity.
I agree all the above! One thing that helps me remain joyful and keeping my eyes on Jesus! Even though the waves may crash, the winds roar and It’s pitch dark, when we keep our eyes and focus on Jesus we just know that all shall be well!! Keep eating His word, and standing on His promises! When we truly see God as our Heavenly Father and He is loving and good we can’t help to have joy unspeakable!!
Love this, Molinda. Beautiful reminders!
I agree with your 4 ways to Joy. I had to start with not complaining. Once I caught myself complaining, and changed it to a positive comment, I began to free up the Joy. Next came being thankful, and noticing God’s wonder in the world — more Joy. These 2 steps, then make it easier to forgive. There are some people I am still trying to forgive, but forgiving many — more Joy. Now I am adding in serving others with God’s glory as the reason. (That’s not how I used to serve before cancer. I used to serve to please. That’s not really joyful, because we can’t please everybody.) I am eager to see how this new season of serving will release even more Joy. I keep praying for you, Margaret.
Margaret: We are choosing to stand and celebrate the joy of God with you, indeed! Always sending you prayers of love, strength and support. So much peace, health and love to you, Warrior Woman of Joy!
Praying healing for you, Margaret! Also praying for your husband as he goes through this with you!
Went to Chick-fil-a today. When we got to the window to pay, the very sweet cashier told us that the car in front of us had paid for our order. She said they had a stream of that going on today. My mom then paid for the car behind us. It was a sweet connection with the cashier, the car in front of us and the car in back of us! While we were waiting to pay, we kept talking about the sweet puppy in the car in front of us; how he kept sticking his head out of the window towards the cashier. Little did we know about the sweet people in the car as well! And yes, it brought great joy to us and the cashier and no doubt to the people in front and in back of us! Funny that would happen today, just a few hours after I read this! Blessings to you! <3
Wow! What a fun story of joy and generosity.
I count 1000 blessings! I begin each day and end each day writing down the gifts God has blessed me with!
Amazing how that discipline can completely change our outlook and perspective!
Praying for you and Leif daily. Please take good care.
Thank you sweet Beth.