How To Find Joy In A Pandemic
We’re entering the season where we celebrate JOY TO THE WORLD.
But, in this season many are having a hard time finding joy and peace on earth. But, it may encourage you to know that when Jesus came to earth He came in the middle of difficulty times.
The entrance of Joy into our lives has very little to do with circumstances and everything to do with who we have entrusted with our lives.
This verse in Proverbs I came across reminds us that physical and mental health is connected to having joy and cheer in our hearts.
Proverbs 17:22 Contemporary English Version
22 If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.
But this verse also reminds us that we often have this backwards. We think, “if I feel good, then I’ll be happy.” But, this verse shows that joy comes first and then the feelings impact your body.
So, we then have to consider where does true joy come from? And how do we find joy and peace in the middle of a pandemic?
We can take a quick look around us to find that joy doesn’t come from having a lot or having just enough. People in both of those states can be full of worry and fear.
Joy is found deeper and more secure than things on the surface—which is good news because the surface things of life can change so quickly. Going from secure to chaos, as we all experienced in 2020.
Joy for me is secure and anchored because my hope and trust has been placed in something unshakable even when life gets shaky.
I still face challenges and doubts like we all do, but when I feel joy and peace slipping away, I run back to One who steadies and secures me—I run back to Jesus!
Jesus is called the Prince of Peace; I’ve found that to be so true in my life. When my heart is focused on Him and resting in His strength, then I find that peace and joy is in my soul.
Are you looking for joy this season? Then what you’re really looking for is Jesus!
He is the Hope and Joy that has come into the World and it’s available to all of us.
If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus, start today and if you have in the past but your trust has been placed in shaky things, it’s time to refocus on Jesus.
***Here’s video I posted recently about finding peace even before victory that I think will encourage you!
