Let Joy Rise

Hey! I'm so happy to be back writing for you all! (Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you!). I know I haven't been writing as much lately, as I've been busy with school full-time, but throughout this current season that I'm in, the Lord has been doing such a work in my life that I'm so grateful for! And one of those very things is bringing joy back into my life!

Have you ever been in a season where you feel your joy is snuffed out? Maybe that's exactly where you are right now. You may be feeling as if the enemy came in and snuffed out the passion you once had. You've put things on the back burner because you never felt bold enough to do what God is asking of you.. And friends, I know exactly what that feels like because I've been there. In 2022, on Christmas Eve, my grandmother passed away. It was tough and painful. Wanting to choose joy in Christ was the last thing I wanted to do in that circumstance, nor was it a thought in my mind. Then ten weeks later, my grandfather passed away, and I'm still trying to process everything that happened from my grandmother's death. I remember so clearly asking the Lord, "God, how can I even be joyful right now when all I'm surrounded by is sadness and chaos"? My joy was snuffed out completely. I put things on the back burner because I believed that sadness and chaos defined my life. But as time went on, I started to realize that the devil's character is to steal, kill, and destroy our purpose in Jesus (John 10:10). And satan does not have the final say in who I am or what God will do in my life. I decided to let joy rise because what God does in and through me, no counterfeit, distraction, or hindrance sent from hell will ever take away the joy, purpose, calling, and promises that God has given me.

Psalms 4:7 states, "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound". So let's unpack that a little. What does that mean? It means that two types of joy are contrasted here: the inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting in God, and the joy that comes from self/present circumstances. In the context, people were putting value on gain and wine, which are outward pleasures. Things that hold no eternal value and temporary happiness, which only last for a moment. They chose the desires of this world by putting value in wealth in what they had. The people failed to see the eternal joy that comes from God because it is unseen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (NIV). Through Christ, He provides inward joy that lasts for eternity. Inward joy defeats discouragement, and happiness only covers discouragement up. Even though we can't see all that God has for us in the future, His joy is available to you that will bring lasting purpose, not temporary.

So, I want to ask you this question: What will you choose? Will you choose inward joy that comes from God, trusting that He holds your tomorrow and your life in general? Or will you trust in your own pleasures that bring no satisfaction?

Your worth isn't in what's around you or how many people are in your life. It's what's living on the inside of your heart. And I pray that what's living fully on the inside of you is Jesus. Whatever obstacle you're facing, I pray that you will allow the inward joy to rise in your heart, living boldly for Christ. I know that some of you reading this haven't gone through losing a loved one, but whatever circumstance that you've faced or are currently facing, I pray that you will run to Jesus for comfort and not in temporary pleasures. If you are wrestling with the call of God on your life, saying, "God, why me"? Instead, I encourage you to thank Him! Thank Him for calling you, thank Him that He has a divine purpose for you, thank Him for His extended hand of grace upon you! And thank Him for His unfailing love!

Hope you've had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend! And always remember to let God's joy rise in your life, no matter what obstacle comes your way! 💕

~Noelle