Searching for Joy

Tonight I will be leading a group of women in a discussion on the book, One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp. One of the things God laid on my heart was to write a letter of encouragement to these women. Something that they could take with them and read at a time when joy seems elusive or impossible. 

If that is you today, I pray that you will find peace, encouragement and joy in these words...

To the One Who is Searching for Joy,

I am you. I am searching for joy too.

Aren't we all looking for joy? Even if it's just for a little more than what we already have.

Yet, I also possess a desire for control. To know my circumstances and my future. To hold tight to the idea that I can make joy happen myself. But, isn't it this desire that actually kills joy?

If you're anything like me, this is a daily battle for you. You feel like God is constantly bringing you to that place where faith meets fear, where there is a battle between worry and anxiety and peace and joy. It is a fight. It is a choice.

My friends, in order to experience joy, you have to want to see it. It is there. We just have to look for it, to recognize it. However, instead of leaning into joy in times of stress or struggle, it is in our nature to try and escape and pull away from the very thing, the very One, who brings joy.

In Genesis 16, after Hagar became pregnant with Ishmael, she ran away. But, the angel of the Lord found her and told her to return from where she had come. After that, Hagar had a new perception of the Lord. She had experienced His seeking and been in His presence.

After that, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.”

However, she also asked, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”  (Genesis 16:13)

My prayer for you, is that you would see the one who sees you. That you would seek His face, so that you may experience the fullness of His grace. There is joy in His presence, in His gifts.

God is in everything - every time, place and circumstance. In times of certainty and waiting. Not only that, but He is always good and always loves. If you believe this about God, how can you not make the choice for joy? How can you not act, accepting all the gifts He has given you, daily?

So, whether you're searching for joy or success or peace or provision, choose God first. Choose Him. The rest will come. In His way and His time.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

- Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

May you see joy today!