“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

When my 2- year old daughter sings along to her favorite tv show, nothing else matters in that moment. She sings the tune with a contagious joy that is unmatched. Despite what is going on around her, she is not moved and is laser focused on remaining joyful. At her young age, my daughter’s example has taught me the power of remaining joyful at all costs.

As we grow older, and experience life’s challenges, it is easy to lose the childlike joy that my daughter demonstrates. Despite the peaks and valleys that life will bring, God desires for us to live joyful, abundant lives as we stay connected to Him. Today, God is calling us to:

Receive the joy that is available to you!

Fight for Your Joy!

Joy does not just magically happen or is not dependent on our circumstances. Joy comes from God and it comes from an innate recognition that God is in control of our lives. I don’t know about you, but we need joy now more than ever. 2020 has been a year like no other.

From navigating an ongoing global pandemic, evolving state safety restrictions, shifting to virtual learning and finding creative ways to stay connected with family and friends, we have had to fight to maintain a joyful attitude and spirit.

Finding joy when life is going well and things are going according to plan is easy. However, finding joy in the unknown and when we don’t have control is more difficult. Our joy is not connected to our circumstances, but to Christ who is the one who sustains us.

As we continue to draw closer to God in prayer and reading God’s Word, we are filled with the joy of the Lord to strengthen and sustain us. When we serve others and move forward in our God given purpose, God’s joy will uplift us during difficulties and restore us when we are broken. Friend, that is great news today!

In a world where it is easy to become cynical, distant, or numb to the cares of others, joy still matters. Our daily routines and circumstances keep us in survival mode with very brief moments to exhale or breathe. In the midst of life’s triumphs and trials, God’s joy remains steadfast, kind, and full of grace.

Despite our continual flaws and sinful nature, God’s joy is overflowing. God’s joy is selfless. In order for us to continue to demonstrate God’s joy, we must first decide that it still matters. Demonstrating joy is a recognition that God is the source of our strength and true contentment.

Reclaim Your Joy

Today, I invite you to pause and reclaim the joy that is overflowing and available to you. Your joy matters and represents God’s selfless love and care for you. Your joy sustains you during challenging seasons and brings hope to the hopeless.

Your joy brings strength to the broken.

Your joy brings encouragement to the discouraged.

Walk in God’s joy today with courage, conviction and strength.

As we wind down 2020 and move into 2021, I encourage and invite you to fight for your joy. Your soul is longing to be filled with the joy that is unbreakable and that only God can provide. While we may not know what the future brings, God’s Word and joy will surely carry us through. Turn down the distractions and renew your commitment to walk in God’s joy today.

In what ways will you renew your commitment to receiving God’s joy daily?

Name one area of your life that you desire to have God’s joy renewed? Pray to God about that area.

We welcome you to visit Kirstyn’s blog at www.kirstynspeakshope.com