What if joy isn’t something we chase, but something we choose?
Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. —Luke 12:15
Joy isn’t about circumstances. It’s about how we live and who we are becoming.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:8-14
Heaven wants to touch earth right where you live—in the middle of your imperfect life. We call that JOY.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:4-7
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring your pain or pretending life is perfect. It’s about choosing to focus on God’s goodness, even when life feels hard. Gratitude doesn’t erase the dark—it gives us the courage to dance in it. —Brant Hansen
We often think joy is for perfect moments, but joy is found in imperfect ones. It’s found when we let go of control, trust God, and embrace the beauty of what is. —Brant Hansen
Sewing reminds me that God can take the threads of my life and weave them into something beautiful. —Yara (Syrian refugee)
Music is my prayer. It’s how I thank God for giving me a second chance. —Bizimana (survivor or Rwandan genocide)
I can’t control what I’ve lost, but I can choose to see God’s goodness in the little things. —Ahmed (Syrian refugee)
Joy isn’t the absence of pain. It’s the presence of God in the middle of it.
Joy isn’t something you chase. It’s something you choose.
How to Find JOY
1. Slow down and pay attention.
2. Keep practicing gratitude.
3. Stay connected to God.
Joy doesn’t live in “a someday.” It lives in your TODAY.
A SIMPLE PRAYER FOR JOY
Dear God, Life can be so hard sometimes. Things don’t always go the way we hope, and the stress of it all can feel too much to handle. But even in the mess, we know You are with us. You never leave us, and You never stop loving us.
We need Your joy, God—not the kind that depends on everything being perfect, but the kind that comes from knowing You’re in control. Help us see the good things You’ve put in our lives, even when it’s hard to notice them. Remind us that You’re working in ways we can’t always see.
When life feels overwhelming, calm our hearts. When we’re sad or angry, comfort us. When we feel lost, remind us we’re never alone because You’re always here.
Teach us to trust You, even when we don’t understand what’s happening. Fill us with a joy that’s bigger than our problems, a joy that reminds us we’re loved and cared for by You.
Help us share that joy with others. Show us how to be kind, to listen, and to remind the people around us that You love them too.
We give You all our worries and choose to trust You today. Thank You for being our peace and our joy.
Amen.