“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;  At Your right hand are pleasures forever more.” Psalm 16:11

I used to wonder if it was REALLY possible to have joy when circumstances don’t call for it. Like seriously, how can I be joyful (EVERYDAY) when my world seems to be crumbling and falling to pieces? When nothing is going my way and everything seems like it’s working against me. It can be hard to grasp the concept of having consistent, persistent joy in all things, but yes, it is ABSOLUTELY possible to have joy everyday!

The key to having joy everyday is to simply seek God daily and consistently; spending quality time with Him and acknowledging Him in the mornings and throughout your day. Doing so makes him a vital part of your day and brings you into His presence.  I love that this verse tells us that “in His presence is fullness of joy” because it is only in His presence that our joy is made complete even when we have all sorts of crazy things going on around us.  I know for me my toughest days are those days when I rush out of the house without really spending time with God and getting filled up with His joy and strength (“The Joy of the Lord is your Strength~ Nehemiah 8:10 ).  As a single mom, not only do I have to work full time, but I have so much I need to accomplish each day and so many stresses and demands, from paying bills to driving kids all around town, and then dealing with my own varying emotions, thoughts and feelings as I try to hold it all together….It’s so hard.  I HAVE to lean on Him for support and strength EVERYDAY, otherwise I would be depressed or something! But no, He brings joy to my life and my circumstances every single day that I choose to bring Him along with me; and then the burden is SO much lighter with Him. We DESPERATELY need to have His presence go with us so that He can guide us, lead us, and show us the way.  It is in His presence where we will experience a super abundance of joy, contentment, wisdom, protection, grace, mercy, faithfulness, and peace despite what might be going on in our lives.  Jesus thinks the most of you and only desires to shower you with His gifts, love, goodness, pleasures, and fulfilled dreams.

Wake up each day being thankful for all that God HAS done for you, and tell Him that you desperately need Him, then take Him along with you, be in His presence…He desires to be your lover and best friend.  Talk to Him about everything. Your hopes, dreams, frustrations, struggles…He’ll listen and will make a way.  Your time with Him will for sure reap “pleasures forevermore”.

xoxo

Do you need more joy in your life? Let me know how I can pray for you…I’d love to hear from you.

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