From Joyless to Joyful
By Keri Eichberger
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I knew what I needed to do. But it felt near impossible.
Rejoice always? Really? How, when I feel joyless?
I’d hit a wall. Finally crashed. Mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually suffocated of all joy. But I’ve practiced for moments like this. I’d memorized and recited the Bible verses, and knew God’s remedy for being stuck in a joyless rut, or falling into pits of soul exhaustion. Rejoice, pray, praise.
But, I keep cycling back it seems. Joyless to joyful. Joyful to joyless. In circles. Life is steady. It gets heavier and harder. I hold God’s hand. I pedal faster and begin to outpace him. Then, I begin to loosen my grip. And without even realizing it, I’m on my own at an internal speed that’s spiraling out of control. Until my whole being gives out, my hands fly completely off the handlebars, and I find myself tumbling onto hard pavement, numb with pain and incapable of movement. I have nothing left. No joy. No strength.
But, I remember… Rejoice, pray, praise.
So once again, I reach out for God’s hand because I know I need his strength to just move. To do anything. I’ve come full circle. I’ve learned and remember… God gives me strength. I know I can find his strength in his joy. (Nehemiah 8:10.) I know I can find joy when I rejoice in him.
Are you feeling zapped of, and lacking, joy? Maybe you’ve been working hard and have run out of steam. Burdened by busyness. Dealing with devastation or disappointment. Or possibly grief has taken a toll on you. And you may not feel much or any joy.
I get it.
I mentioned it is cyclical for me. Joy to joyless. Repeat.
Last week, I hit the downside after a long trek of overworking myself. But thankfully, God has revealed to me the resolution of reclaiming by proclaiming the joy he wants me to be full of, even in the valleys. And I would love nothing more than to help you refill with joy today with me.
Rejoice. Remember, the word, rejoice.
Close your eyes. What can you rejoice in?
My numb mind, heart, and body sat down. I stilled my soul for a moment. And listened. The birds were singing. The warming of the spring has yet to find its way to their wings. But still, they sing. Maybe they’re singing praises of the hope of what’s to come, or for the simple slivers of sunshine that are sneaking through the dark clouds.
What can you rejoice over right now? One thing. Start there. Thank God for one thing. Then, thank him for one more. What is it? I
When you're weak and weary, and your joy feels smothered, this may be hard. My soul seems especially stubborn some days or in certain dark seasons. You may be skeptical. Maybe you’ve heard this suggested before. But know, with God, you can do this. And truly, you’ll find as you keep looking and noting one more thing to rejoice in, joy will begin to flow and swell.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Spend some time today rejoicing in prayer. And keep praying. Talk to God about the weights you’ve been carrying, but also the goodness he’s also working with it all. Keep thanking him. Thank him for his wonderful creation. Thank him for the people, even the difficult ones, he’s placed in your life. Thank him for the way he has already guided and provided. Thank Him for one thing, one blessing, one person, one promise. Then, for another, and for another. Keep singing his praises, like the birds that never fail to raise their beautiful songs each day. The melodies you release will begin to fill your soul with smiles, and refuel your strength.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)
You may find yourself feeling joyless, but when you rejoice in the Lord, you will become more and more full of joy.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Friend, rejoice right now. And find joy right now. I know you want that. We all do. And in him, it can be yours today, and every gift of a day.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Merlas
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