Choose Joy

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. (John 16:21-22)

Having joy in the midst of hard times is one of the most difficult things to do as a human being. Jesus addresses this difficulty in John 16:21, when He talks about women giving birth. Delivering a baby is perhaps the most physically painful time in a woman’s life, but as soon as the baby is born, the pain is irrelevant because she is so filled with joy at the sight of her newborn child.

It would be wise for us to have the same mindset when it comes to our personal struggles. Sure, what we’re walking through might be painful right now, and there might be a lot of things trying to steal our joy, but when we focus on the Lord and draw near to Him, we will find joy even in the midst of our pain.

Keep in mind, there are all kinds of circumstances and situations that can steal your joy. There is undeserved guilt that reminds you of mistakes you’ve made in the past. There are uncertain consequences that bring fear of your current circumstances and how you’re going to deal with them. And there is your undetermined future that causes anxiousness over what might happen tomorrow. But if you understand that your past has been forgiven by a merciful God, your present is being controlled by a sovereign God, and your future has been guaranteed by a loving God, you can still find joy.

Dear Lord, thank you that joy can always be found in you, even when life’s circumstances aren’t ideal. I pray that you would give me consistent joy whether I’m on the mountaintop or in the valley. Help me to look to you for joy above anything or anyone else. Amen.