People fight adversity with many tools. Anger. Sadness. Denial. Frustration.
But my weapon of choice for this fight is joy.
I’ve been trying to fight with laughter and happiness and levity and winsomeness and mirth and gladness and gratefulness. Some days I fare far better than others. But I’m still continuing the fight.
Will you join me? Will you choose to fight with joy no matter your circumstance or adversity?
Here are 4 powerful ways to fight with joy today:
1. Practice Enthusiasm.
When we’re wrestling with adversity, enthusiasm can be hard to come by. That’s why it’s important to look for the little things—those tiny gifts of moments that appear all around. A bowl full of fresh strawberries or raspberries, an arresting sunset or sunrise, the snuggle of a furry friend, the embrace of friend. When we search for the good and true and beautiful, we can begin to shift our focus. Words of complaint are replaced with words of gratitude. We begin to recognize the ways God is lavishing on us in the midst of the trial. When you practice enthusiasm, it will organically rub off on the people around you.
Put it into practice: This week, replace your complaints with words of praise. For every time you complain, offer two instances of thanksgiving and praise onto God. Watch as your attitude shifts to rejoicing in the fullness of life.
2. Celebrate the Best in People.
As life’s storms brew, it may be easy to take it out on those closest to you. Instead, look for moments to celebrate those around you—your spouse, co-worker, classmate, or friend. Point out where you see their gifts and talents. Commend them for their faithfulness, joy, encouragement, or positivity. Surprise a friend with their favorite treat or Starbucks drink to remind them they are loved.
Put it into practice: Celebrate someone each day this week. Go out of your way to encourage, compliment, and rejoice in who God created them to be without expecting anything in return. Watch relationships deepen as you put others first.
3. Let it Go.
Choose to forgive and experience the freedom that it brings. Instead of meditating on your error or the mistake of someone else, let it go. Extend forgiveness to yourself or others and feel the weight lift. Experience the joy and levity of living free from the shackles of unforgiveness.
Put it into practice: Make a list of three people you are wrestling to forgive. Prayerfully give the list to God as you choose to let each situation go. Take the next step and let that person know they are forgiven. Experience the freedom found in forgiveness.
4. Savor the Wonder of God.
Moments of spiritual awakening that make you long to know God more surround you. The wonder of God is waiting in your friendships and family, your workplace and church, your extraordinary moments and in your mundane, in your joys and your tears. Yet how often do we pass by unaware? Instead, choose to live awake and aware to the ways God reveals himself to you.
Put it into practice: Start today by downloading the free Fourteen Days of Wonder: Devotional and Journal. Subscribe to MargaretFeinberg.com, by clicking here. You’ll receive a link to access the PDF download. You can begin the adventure as soon as you receive the devotional.
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Today, may you rediscover the levity and delight of being a child of God.
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This week I’m giving away THREE copies of Jenni Catron‘s new book, Clout.
Most recently, Jenni served for nine years as the Executive Director of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN, where she led the staff and oversaw the ministry of its five campuses.
Jenni’s passion is to lead well and to inspire, equip and encourage others to do the same. She speaks at conferences and churches nationwide, seeking to help others develop their leadership gifts and lead confidently in the different spheres of influence God has granted them. Jenni blogs at www.jennicatron.com.
You have clout. But have you discovered it yet?
It is easy to believe that power, influence, and leadership are gifts given to a special few. But the Bible says otherwise.
We all long for significance, even as we fear we will never be good enough. We listen for God, but hear only voices of doubt and practicality. Listen again. There is a call that only you can answer.
Clout is power and influence. It is an undeniable trait that opens doors and moves mountains. You have it, and you can use it to change the world around you. With Scripture and stories from her own life, Jenni Catron maps out the pitfalls and clear paths on the way toward discovering and unleashing your very own clout.
Learn about Jesus and others who sought to lead like him. Stop dreaming and start planning. Define your direction, set your goals, and confront the challenges that stand between you and the person God made you to be. Step into your sphere of influence with the humble confidence of Christ.
To win a copy of Clout, leave a comment on this original blog post at MargaretFeinberg.com. The winner will be selected and announced on Wednesday.
Congratulations to the winners: Bethany, Ann Phillips Thompson, Robin Fossum
How are you fighting with joy in your circumstance? How can we be praying for you?
I am fighting adversity with music. I find that if I begin my day listening to a song that points my way to God, that song becomes the soundtrack for my day. Instead of mediating on my worries, I refocus my attention on God and his faithfulness.
Wonderful idea!
Thank you for the reminders. I also want to say that reading the New Testament during Lent was wonderful! Thank you for inspiring me to do that.
Hello Margaret,
You have no idea how spot-on this post is today for me and a loved one. I forwarded it to him because he definitely needs it. Fighting with Joy and thankfulness while having my armor on.
I’d love a copy of Clout! It looks wonderful. Thanks for your post it meant a lot to me today.
Congratulations, Bethany! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Thank you for your uplifting messages. I have been going through a difficult time and it is a nice reminder to stay focused on gratitude and joy rather than anger
“Clout” looks like an excellent book, I’d love to have a copy! I find joy by singing, reading Scripture or going outside to look at God’s awesome handiwork.
Congratulations, Ann! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
I find that practicing thankfulness leads to greater joy and contentment. If I look for something to thank God for, even in the midst of difficulty, my attitude shifts. Over time I’m discovering more contentment in my spirit in general. It’s a work in progress.
Congratulations, Robin! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Thanks, Margaret! I’m always looking for new reads on God-shaped leadership. Can’t wait to begin Clout!
wow what a great idea…i will fight with JOY!
Margaret, this is so you. You have chosen Joy to fight cancer. You have taught us to see the wonder of God everyday, giving us all more joy. No one but you, would think of fighting with Joy. It sounds like an oxymoron, but it is one of the fruit of the Spirit, Joy. God has given us the seed of Joy to grow in our soul. Joy is a strength, and you have shown us this. God is blessing us all today, through you, Margaret. Thank you.
Huge hug to you, Janet.
This message caught me in the middle of a fierce storm in my marriage. I’ve been facing persecution of distrust and rejection, but through this write up I have received the Holy Spirit into my heart and every bitterness and unforgiveness has disappeared within the twinkling of an eye! I bless God for the life of the writer, more of His grace and unction upon your life in Jesus’ name.
Hugs to you, Kemi! May the Lord continue to show up and encourage you and pour His peace and joy over you. He is so good to us!
The message today was a real eye opener for me. As I was reading your message. I realized that the sparrows were singing beautifully and that in its self gave me joy and internal peace. Gratitude not attitude.. Thank you so much for your message
Thank you for sharing, Pamela. How beautiful that something so seemingly small can change our attitude and perspective for the day. Hugs!
I enjoying reading the topic Clout and I believe it will inspire me and encourage me. I would love to have this book to read on a daily basis and thanks for sharing.
This is a sure Biblical way in fighting Adversity. I am blessed and will endeavour to put to practice all that i have learnt. Thanks and God bless you
I would love to have the Fourteen Days of Wonder: Devotional and Journal. How can I get it? Tried to sign in for it and was not allowed.
I enjoyed the read today and I took the leadership test. I will be looking to buy and read CLOUT. I want to learn how to tie in spirituality with leadership. What an amazing idea that, honestly never crossed my mind and yet it’s crazy that it did NOT! How can I think that it is not a key ingredient in being a great leader!??? It’s just something I was never taught! I’m enlightened now and eager to see how my leadership soars!!!!
THANK YOU so much!
My first time reading from your blog or even coming across your web page. all the messages are refreshing, encouraging, edifying and uplifting. sad that I came late for the promotions and winners have already been selected.
I am from Jamaica and it my first time reading your blog and using your instructing to fight my battle and there are many ,I am practising to use joy and forgiveness to fight so please pray for me as I give thanks to God,God bless you always and forever.
Myrna Barcelo
As a puertorican Cristian I had never been taught this way to overcome certain circumstances; nor had I thought doing so. Nevertheless, my hope and faith has always been in Jesus but this seems great. Thank you. Blessings!
Hello Margaret. I fight adversity by placing it at the altar as King Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 19:8-19. I spent 30 years in prison for a crime I did not commit. I use that experience to relate to people that God does hear our prayers, He sees our circumstances, and He does deliver. I am still fighting to clear my name, but being released was my Jordan river crossing into the land of freedom and honey dripped blessings. Continue your commission with God’s blessing. Amen!
its very inspiring. have been helping people in the church to forgive others and its like how. but with today’s teachings fighting adversity with Joy and replacing your complains with words of praise, am more knowledgeable to handle any issue that comes on my way. anytime you complain offer 2 instances of thanksgiving and praise unto God. that was very good. God bless you.
Thanks for your teachings…I just happen to see your blogs and it really inspired me…I am a domestic helper here in the United Arab Emirates..I have been here for almost a year and a half…I am a single Mom and I have a son back in the Philippines..Please pray for my sons girl friend because she is pregnant now..my son is still studying…Please pray for me also to be able to manage my job here as well as studying the word of God during quiet times. God bless you more.
Thank you for this lesson. I am going through some big trials in my life – and need to remember to face them with Joy! I am not the negative person that I have been lately! My children need to see that I am a survivor, and that we can get through this with Christ by our side.
I felt completely gratified when reading this blot. I have been battling with forgiveness in my marriage for the past 11 years due to domestic abuse (emotionally) and felt this is a turning point for me by the grace of God. “Teachings fighting adversity with Joy and replacing your complains of words of praise” appeared to sit well in my spirit. I am more well-informed to translate this into handle adversities/issues, which may come my way. I need your prayers as I am starting this journey of forgiveness. I bless God for your life and I pray for uncommon unction upon your life in Jesus name Amen.
am so happy to come across this write up. for so long i have been searching for something that will help relieve the burden in my heart, and i think i have found one. i will like to read CLOUT so as to deepen my trust in God. many thanks and more Blessing of God to you
Thank you for writing the 4 Powerful Ways to Fight with Joy today. I am currently in the midst of a storm and need to find my full joy again. Please pray for me.
Huge hug & prayers, Norma!
Thank you so much for this powerful encouragement. It gives me a new hope to overcome the storm that I faced in my leadership. I am a school principal. my Deputy principal don’t want to cooperate with us and he is yet to fully commit his life to Christ. I need your prayer, so that God can give him peace and help us to find our full joy again in my school.
Thank you for this experience . I hope that I will find the time and courage to keep in touch and share the joy I really want to receive.
Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration of 4 Powerful Ways to Fight with Joy Today!!!
My church is having a wednesday bible study on “FIGHT BACK WITH JOY.” Is your book on CLOUT still available.If so my address is 460 Dalewood Dr Erlanger Ky 41018.If not thanks anyway.Our bible study starts this Wednesday hope its good.
Hello Margaret! I saw you speak at a womens conference in Bakersfeild CA. in 2012 or 2013.I was student at Teen Challenge, you signed some books for me to take back to the campus.That was the first and only conference and it was amazing and you were amazing.I can still hear your smooth voice in my memory.God has blessed me so much since then.I was so happy to come across your site.I hope you are well.
sincerely Laura W..
Thank you, sweet Laura! You bless my socks off! Hugs!
Happy for your life woman of God
I thank God who made it possible to come across one of your articles 4 Powerful ways to fight with joy. I am exalted by the write-ups and would hereby request for more. I will also be glad if you can help me with a copy of CLOUT by Jenni. God bless you and your family.