The Best Way to Find Joy

Joy can be an elusive quality. What is the best way to find joy?

Oh, there are days when joy fills my heart like the air filling a hot-air balloon lifting me to new heights:

Seeing my husband-to-be at the end of the aisle as I take my father’s arm.

Delight at the births of my two beautiful children.

Watching my daughter’s face beam as she walks down the aisle.

When Joy Isn’t Easy to Find

But there are days when joy is not an easy emotion to find:

The doctor gives ominous news.

The money in the bank account isn’t quite enough to pay the bills.

The brakes on the car are making a funny noise, the dog gets sick on the carpet, and the dishwasher spews sudsy water all over the wood floor.

How do you grasp onto joy then?

A Reliable Source of Joy

Lately, God has been speaking to my heart about joy. He’s been teaching me about the one reliable place to access joy.

Psalm 16:11 tells about the one way to discover joy every day.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11 NIV)

In these words, I hear God whispering:

Come to me. Joy is always available in my presence.

When you take your eyes off the broken car and busted dishwasher, and instead look at me you will find joy.

When you stop comparing your life with someone else’s, you will find joy.

When you stop thinking happiness is contingent on success, you will find joy.

When you turn you heart toward Me, you will find joy.

Joy evaporates when I turn my attention to my problems.

Joy floods my heart when I turn my heart toward God.

Next step: Post Psalm 16:11 where you will see it today. When you start to lose your joy, draw your attention back the God, who is always with you. In His presence, you will discover joy.