joy thoughts. pt 1.

I have a lot of ideas that run in and out of my mind. I kept hesitating posting it thinking I could add more or re-write parts, wanting to make it perfect (like I do with everything and I’m sure you can relate too – but the thing is nothing will ever get accomplished if you keep waiting until something is “perfect”). I’m sure there will always be things I could add to it from what others have experienced and things that I’ll learn as time passes. but as for now this is where my thoughts are at.

So, I’m just going to start.

Let’s pause life quick and talk about joy together.

joy = gladness not based on circumstance

1 Peter 1:8-9 “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

It’s been on my mind... so I’ve been thinking and listening to a lot of podcasts recently. Honestly - I’ve been in an inside battle of trying to figure out how to seek joy in the season of life God has me in - in the gift of singleness, in the present, figuring out life & my body as a former athlete, and how to use my passion where my feet are now. Even though the waiting and unknown is tough – because it is SO hard, grind it out. Turn to God. Pray – prayer has so much power and like most, I find myself taking it for granted. Seek guidance and accountability together. Find a community, 1-2 people, to turn to and be completely and honestly vulnerable with.

I was reminded recently in a podcast that God knows the exact path you’re on, for YOUR good and HIS glory - sit on that. Our Creator, He knows. Like how breathtaking. It brought some needed rest for my soul, allowed my heart to find peace in knowing His ways are always always higher than my own. 

I am by no means perfect or have this mastered at all - hence me saying it’s something I’ve been struggling with and trying to figure out what works for me. Just thinking out loud, because I know I’m not the only one. I pray we all can seek joy from our Savior and not happiness from the world.

Happiness is fleeting, it comes & goes. Joy is everlasting. 

Seeking joy in worldly things only goes so far, it can only satisfy your heart so much. 

BUT seeking joy in our Savior, Jesus Christ is everlasting. Not saying it’s easy and that every day will be filled with happiness, but we can strive to find the joy despite our circumstances. Complete honesty - where else are you finding your joy in, if not Jesus, that you found to satisfy the deepest longings of your soul, truly?

Joy ≠ having the perfect body, having life all together, having the right clothes, having all the money, having who knows what, having all the things society deems “worthy.” Yes still strive for your goals, work hard, use your gifts, try your best, live life, challenge yourself – but be excellent till the glory of God.

Joy = light. A light that can only come from Christ. A light that shines from the inside, out. A light that truly fills all the corners of your heart. Jesus.

Find the joy in every day, not because life is always good, but because God is good. I’ve come to slowly accept that no level of “worldly comfort” will fill and complete the loneliness in my heart that comes and goes. Only Jesus.

a few spots joy is found in the bible:

John 15:11
            “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Galatians 5:22-26
            “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.”

Philippians 2:1-2
            “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

James 1:2-4
            “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

know you are so loved
.
.
.

-Addison