Joy In The Hard Times

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy. ~ Psalm 16:11

We have been rushing around these last few weeks, readying everyone for their school options. One taking a gap year, 2 heading off to college, 5 kids homeschooling in different ways, the list of books to buy, classes to register for, scheduling of who is supposed to where… the feeling of barely making it through has been overwhelming.

While I wanted to believe I was carrying all the items well on my plate, carefully redistributing weight with each new addition so that nothing could tip off, last Thursday made it clear nothing was balanced. In moments everything seemed to spin out of control, the plate tipped sideways, and all the things began to slide off. Have you ever experienced this? One moment you have the day running smoothly and the next, crying children, sick dogs, broken cups, and hurting hearts abound. As I stood in the middle of the mess, in the middle of the messiest year ever, I struggled with my response. Honestly I felt angry because everything felt out of control, I felt worthless because I didn’t have everything locked in and running smoothly, and I felt mildly hysterical. I did not feel joyful. And yet, His Word says fullness of joy is your and mine.

Joy {xara, chara in the Greek} means grace recognized. Let that roll around for a moment in your mind. Joy is not euphoria, blessing, or ecstasy. It’s not undiluted happiness with streaks of giggling or laughter.

Joy is Grace recognized.

His joy in me centers on what He has done for me. Recognizing grace births joy - seeing His love, work and plan despite my circumstances settles my soul despite the hard, painful demanding moments. Joy based on the bedrock of the Gospel becomes the melody of my heart. Our hearts can sing despite our circumstances because His grace extends over every moment.

Joy is found in pursuit of Him alone. My choice in moments of strain, grief, worry, or despair must be to turn to Him. Joy will be found. Joy assures me that happiness isn’t fleeting or circumstantial.

Joy is Spirit given

In the moments when our hearts feel unsteady, the quiet whispers are holy works of the Spirit of God within us. His reminders of who He is or the truth of His word are moments He is actively engaging and seeking to center you and me. In the rush of our days, we often fail to stand quietly and allow Him to teach us, allow Him to comfort us, and allow Him to remind us of His grace. But if we do, if we pause long enough to hear Him, we will see His grace. His joy will increase within us. Joy of salvation will be restored. (Psalm 51:12)

Quieting before Him

We have been given this season to teach us anew the quiet of walking with our eyes turned on Him. He has stripped so much away from us, quieting so many activities that we may have the capacity again to hear Him. Don’t waste this, practice listening. Practice quieting. Allow his grace to burst forth in joy. For in His presence, there is fullness of joy.