Today, I’ve got another post about experiencing joy. If you’ve been following along this year, you know that is one of my goals – to have a better, more positive outlook and to have more joy! You can read my first post here about it and another follow-up post here I wrote on the subject.
I must admit that some days I’m still struggling with this! Doesn’t it seem like when we decide to make a change that it becomes the hardest thing to do? And I guess I’ve kind of lost sight of my goal lately too. I’ve kind of slipped back into the mindset that just maybe my season of struggles would disappear, or my current circumstances would suddenly change. Then, I would feel better. Right? Surely, it can’t get worse.
However, my joy is not dependent on my current circumstances. It’s dependent on my hope in Christ. My joy comes from knowing He is with me and will help me wherever life takes me.
I was reminded of this around Easter when I spoke to my dad about his sermon topic for the day. He said we say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and often Happy Easter. But true fulfillment and joy starts with the reason we celebrate Easter. It’s something that is lasting and outweighs temporary happiness or merriment.
After that conversation with my dad, my thoughts turned to the disciples of Jesus and their lives after that first Easter. They experienced firsthand the ultimate joy of witnessing Christ’s resurrection and ascension into heaven. Joy came again with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, life transforming sermons, and miraculous healings. Yet oh, the persecution they faced and experienced too. The highs they must have felt along the horrific lows.
However, they didn’t lose sight of the joy and hope they had in Christ even in the bad times. And we certainly can have that same hope and joy despite our circumstances too!
If you are having a rough year or things are not going your way, I encourage you to not give up today on having a positive attitude. You can experience joy regardless of your circumstances. Christ is with you cheering you on towards a greater hope.