What Brings You Joy?

Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”

C.S. Lewis

Joy – n. – A feeling of great pleasure and happiness. (According to Google)

What is missing from your life?

You appear to be walking around with the weight of the world on your shoulders. You seem down, depressed, and perhaps overwhelmed.

Does it feel like the world is pushing in on you from every direction?

Everyone wants a piece of you. You can’t seem to get ahead, and more and more is lumped onto your plate giving you little room to breathe – little room to be you.

Maybe things just aren’t going your way. Your job is challenging at an unbearable level. Your bills are mounting, and you are facing a personal health crisis. Those you once called friends have abandoned you.

The stress you feel is palpable. There’s a lack of hope and a lack of joy.

It’s time to stop!

It’s time to find joy again!

Joy is possible in the midst of struggle. Joy is available to you and to me.

Joy is found by turning to God.

“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.”

I Chronicles 16:27 (NIV)

Joy from God will strengthen us and help us get through the challenges we face.

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

When your world seems devoid of joy, it’s important to remember the above truths. It is also important to remember the things that bring you joy.

Joy is found when we use our gifts.

God has gifted you with a variety of gifts, interests, and passions. And God has given you a purpose. Joy is found when we are using our gifts in areas that fill our hearts, align with our areas of interest, and fulfill our purpose.

What brings you joy?

Yesterday, I had the blessing of spending time with friends sawing wood. It sounds simple, but I could tell that the experience brought joy to my friends (and to me).

When life has lost it’s spark, it’s time to find joy.

Joy is found when we help others.

Finally, if you are still struggling to find joy, serve others in need. Helping others is often the catalyst we need to find the joy that seems absent from our lives.

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

What brings you joy? Share your thoughts in the comments.