After reading today’s psalm, use the guiding content below to help you reflect, respond, and engage with one another.
The ascent holds both sorrow and joy. This song uses the memory of hardships as encouragement to remember that joy is worth the journey. And with that hope, this song calls the singer to be confident God will continue to use sadness to bring a better joy as they press forward.
- What makes it hard for you to remember or experience joy when you feel sorrowful?
- In what area of your life do you most need to be reminded of joy?
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156 thoughts on "A Song for Going with Joy"
If I’m not careful to take my thoughts captive then it becomes very easy to succumb to sorrow instead of living in the joy from our Father.
It is difficult to see joy right now in what the future will look like – I guess I was putting more hope in the way things were in our country for the joy to feel harder now. I don’t know exactly the way forward but this psalm shows the way forward ❤️
difficult in relationships bc of heartbreak and untrustworthy people.
It’s hard to find joy sometimes just with daily stuff like the news and it’s hard to want the joy others are not receiving. I need help being reminded that everything happens for a reason and that god has a plan for us.
Finding joy right now, my grandma died and she was my rock.
When I feel sorrowful the fear gets to me and doesn’t allow me to move on as fast from the situation cause it just lingers and I can’t get rid of that sorrowful feeling.
Lord, it’s difficult to see & find the joy after being through the heartache wehave experienced over so many years. I’ve failed myself and you in looking for the joy and remembering the joy in those times. Help me begin to look back and overshadow the sadness with memories of joy and memories of how you sustained us.
I find it difficult to experience joy when I am comparing my circumstances with others around me. I’m a pastor’s wife, and many times I’m picking up the sadness and struggle from the vocation of shepherding a flock, struggling to find joy because I’m casting my attentions on how other churches are doing, comparing and perhaps wishing for greener pastures.
It’s hard to find joy when I can’t seem to control things. I know that life is not in my control but sometimes it is hard to let go of that truth and cling to the truth of God, that he is in control of all things at all times and I just have to trust that he knows what he is doing.
I have walked through all manner of hardships….financial, employment, health-I had a tumor at one point, immigration, relational and I have found always found it most difficult when it’s relational hardship. It’s very obvious with those other things that God will have to provide, sustain, and deliver yet when it’s relational I tend to lean on my own understanding and efforts to bring peace as if God isn’t still sovereign and present. I want to figure out what’s wrong and quickly find a solution and not be uncomfortable. Yet, God is still providing everything I need for life and godliness. He is still sustaining me when I don’t know the hearts and minds of others. He is indeed the only One who can bring true deliverance and restoration between people and in our hearts, even when people don’t behave and respond in ways we expect or hope. He is the One who brings peace and joy even when there seems to be no reconciliation or understanding conflict. Right now I need to be reminded that nothing and no one will bring true peace and joy other than Jesus and knowing Him. Even when relationships aren’t what I want, expect or imagined my relationship with Him is secure, His love and relationship with and for me and pure. They are enough and will satisfy even if I don’t have the relationships with others (that I’m not fully in control of) that I’d like.
-us endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
During the pandemic, I went through depression and suicidal thoughts, and it was very hard to find joy. But God brought me through that season and even though it is still hard to to find joy sometimes, I just remember that Jesu
I think about the end of my life coming soon because of the brain tumor I have. It’s hard for me to remember joy when I think about not meeting my life milestones (birthdays, anniversary’s, Christmas, etc.) and not seeing my family and friends meet milestones (marriage, babies, etc). That makes me sad. I need joy in my mornings and days just when I’m enjoying life in general. I need joy when I have physical troubles because of my diagnosis and when I feel sad.
Oh @Seana, I am so so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the pain that it is causing you! I can’t begin to imagine what you’re walking through, but I know we serve a God who does and who grieves with you. I am praying for peace and joy like you’ve never experienced before!
Oh Seana, that is so hard!! I’ll be praying for you as your time here on this side of heaven comes to a close.
When I was in college and younger in my faith, I went through a LOT of hardship. I never understood why these things were happening to me and I begged God to fix my problems. Each time he did and I was able to move on, it helped me grow and realize that God will get me through them. Now, whenever something bad is happening, I pray and remember that I will be much better on the other side which helps me get through my circumstance.
So often, the present sorrowful moment is overwhelming, and I can’t hold the hope of a joyful future at the same time. It feels too hard to be joyful about something past or present when you are weeping now. But this Psalm also made me think about the image of those sowing in sorrow. They didn’t stop sowing, or sit at home stuck in sadness. They kept moving and being faithful even during their sorrow. And it was this faithful action that opened up the future joyful harvest.
Amen
For me, times of sorrow can feel like they’ll last a long time and I find it hard not to have a negative perspective. Right now I need to be reminded of joy in church ministry. My heart feels broken and completely overwhelmed by things that have happened recently.
A pastor I had once quipped, “Sheep bite” when referring to church life. Praying for peace in the trials.
Thankful for The Lord and trying to be joyful despite having a lot of anxiety and depression issues. I fear being alone and isolated if I was the only one left in my family on this side of eternity
I have had lots of pain and disappointments in this life and it’s what I am used to. I trust God to be faithful because He ALWAYS has been each and every time. I have been a fighter all my life trying to survive an abusive alcoholic father. Hard to let God be God in my life and not my circumstances.
I love all of you SHES. Many hugs and lots of love coming your way. Keep your heads us and straighten your crowns. We are part of THE Royal family! Praise God❣️
Each day I remind myself and thank my Father of the goodness in the land of the living. When I am feeling sorrow, it’s okay because joy will come.
When I’m feeling sorrowful and joy is the least emotion I am feeling, it is always because of what my focus is on. When my focus is on myself and my present circumstances at any given time, I’m missing the Joy of the Lord, because my eyes aren’t on Him. It reminds me of when Peter stepped out of the boat. While he was focused on Jesus, he was able to stay above water, but when he took his focus off Jesus and started focusing on the wind and the waves he began to sink. Lately, I have just been hearing the Lord say to me “Eyes on Me, eyes on Me” over and over. Lord help me to focus on you and when I do that I know your joy will be with me no matter my circumstances.
Friends I highly recommend going and listening to “Psalm 126” by Bifrost Arts ft. Molly Pardon. It is absolutely beautiful!!!
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This is really encouraging Leslie ❤️ thank you for this message I notice that as well when my eyes on not fixed on him it’s easier for an attack to come rushing in.
❤️
Psalm 126:3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
May I always remember the amazing things he has done through my tears. I can’t count the trials and tears that I have faced, but God always brought me through to a side with such joy. I am so thankful that he hears are our prayers and answers in his own time to provide us such joy, even amongst the tears.
Amen!!❣️
In this season of waiting and advocating and pushing for DCS to advocate for our children, I often forget to sit in the joy of the day with them. This is hard. This journey of fostering is hard. The joy of the Lord fills in so much of what the enemy tries to destroy with trauma and brokenness. I watched our boys playing safely in our home last night together (a reprieve from the brotherly arguments lol) and I started tearing up because of the joy. I think I often forget to hold onto His joy, but in moments of grief and uncertainty, I think my capacity to feel His joy increases because I crave it so much more.
Hello Everyone. I’m really enjoying these Psalms. They are short and sweet and overflowing with truth and lessons that we can all apply in our lives. Right now where I most need to be reminded of joy is in the relationship with my husband. We are disconnected and I am praying every day for guidance.
“The Joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). There has been many moments my joy has been depleted, but coming to the Lord to be plugged into the Source is the beginning of restoration. I keep reminding myself to be among people with cheerful spirits, with a cheerful mind to partake from them in down moments. And I read Psalms, Lamentation, and promises to know that my issues are never unique to myself, but to all the characters in the Bible. There is/ has been ways to overcome. So I would hang in there, learning to not take things so personally, and the Lord says “Keep doing the right thing, and this too shall pass”.
PRAYERS LIFTED…❤️
@ADRIENNE: solution and healing for neurological issues.
@VICTORIA E: I am praying for the ending of this mysterious GI issues. Has anyone in your family (mom/grandma/aunts) encountered this issue before you? Has this been a repetitive pattern?
@DEE DEE: healing for your friend’s grandson’s brain bleed.
@CASSIA TAYLOR: provision like streams of water, and joyful peace.
@CAROLINE BRIDGES: you got this! May God give you strength to finish the last college year strong.
Be blessed dear sisters.❤️
Mercy, you prayer warrior. God bless you!❤️
I turn my focus back to God. Doing that makes everything seem better, tolerable. I feel that things could always be worse than they are. We really have life good for the most part. I try to remember that.
❤️
All the comments are so helpful! I think I can get too wrapped up in myself and then don’t see the joy in the midst of sorrow. I need to find joy in the everyday, and especially in the relationships I have with friends and family.
What makes it hard for you to remember or experience joy when you feel sorrowful?
The everyday hurts and the mental struggles makes it hard to experience joy or I feel guilty to experience it. It’s both amazing and saddening that the mind can experience so much love, affection and joy but also hold you hostage to imagined hurts.
In what area of your life do you most need to be reminded of joy? It feels hard to say this, but it’s hard to feel good about myself. I know self love can be toxic, but so can feeling bad about yourself. I think finding that balance by hearing how welcome I am in the Lord and knowing my place with him in His Kingdom helps. At least that’s the goal
The overwhelming sadness that comes with it. It feels like there is nothing to be happy about.
I need to be reminded of joy as I finish my last year of college.
Caroline if I can offer you some encouragement, you are HERE, seeking God. I have a daughter your age and I wish she were doing the same. Keep sowing those seeds and He will prove faithful. Let Him be your anchor and your guide. He will see you through. I’m praying for you!
That’s good Tami! I agree Caroline…I love seeing younger women coming here and wish I was seeking God when I was college age..rather than what the world was seeking! Same as I wish for my 24 year old son. I love our young people coming to Church by themselves and being a part of young adult group..they love it and you get filled with lasting joy!
Amen Rhonda. I was a train wreck at age 20! Not even close to following God! Keep on showing up Caroline!
It’s very hard for me to remember times of joy when I’m in sorrow. Lord, help me to remember those times of joy. Restore my joy as streams renew the desert. Take the tears I have planted and bring me an abundant harvest of joy. I have been weeping as I plant my seed, give me a picture of the future when I will be singing as I bring in the harvest. I put my confidence in you that you will continue to use this sadness to bring a better joy as I press forward. You are my only hope, let me see Your goodness in the land of the living as I wait for my eternal home where sadness will be no more.
Arlene, I am sorry for your sorrow. I pray that shadow will soon be lifted by the Lord, and that you will see His joy in the smallest of things.. He is near to the broken hearted, dearest He is near to you. Stay close to Him. Will continue to join you in prayer for a peacefilled heart..❤️
Yes, prayers dear Arlene!
I have to share this passage from the NLT-
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,[a]
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Like Julia’s, my commentary focused on planting gospel seeds. From Vines Expository Bible on Biblegateway:
The Song of a Soul Winner | Ps. 126
Tucked away in the Book of Psalms is a series of psalms called “Songs of Ascent” (Ps. 120–134). These psalms would be sung by Jewish worshipers making pilgrimage up to Jerusalem to attend one of their festival days. Jerusalem, because of its elevation, geographically speaking was always “up” from any point in Israel. So as the pilgrims ascended to Jerusalem, they would sing these wonderful songs of praise to the Lord.
What was true of Jerusalem geographically should be true of believers spiritually. A definite characteristic of Christians who are making upward progress in their spiritual lives will be their desire to be soul winners for the Lord. Psalm 126, one of the “Songs of Ascent,” beautifully illustrates a soul winner.
I. Spiritual Returning (126:1–3)
In the opening verses, the Israelites on pilgrimage were rejoicing in the fact that God had restored them from the land of captivity. Because of the nation’s continual stubbornness and sinfulness, God had allowed Nebuchadnezzar to take them into captivity (see Jer. 25:11; 29:10). Those seventy years also represented all the Sabbaths they had failed to keep (see Lev. 25:2–7; 2 Chr. 36:14–21). But God was faithful to keep His word, and the children of Israel returned to their homeland.
In describing the experience of going from captivity to liberty, the psalmist admitted that it was still like a dream. Were they really free and back home? Yes—and the reality filled the people with laughter and joyful songs (Ps. 126:2). Amazingly, other nations had to admit that the Jews’ return to their homeland was God’s work. What about us? Are the lost people around us able to tell that God has done and is doing great things in our lives? The Israelites were quick to agree with the other nations’ assessment of God’s work (126:3).
Every day of our lives we should be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. A life filled with gratitude will certainly be a testimony for our Lord to a lost world.
II. Spiritual Reviving (126:4)
The psalmist was thankful to be back in Israel, but he realized that the people still needed spiritual reviving (126:4). Southern Israel was mostly a desert land with many dry gullies that sudden rains would turn into streams of life-giving water. The psalmist used that picture in asking God to awaken His people spiritually.
When we go through “dry” periods in our lives, do we ask the Lord for spiritual reviving? Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). If we have received His “living water,” we need to realize that because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” in us (John 4:14).
III. Spiritual Reaping (126:5, 6)
Next, the psalmist visualized a promise of spiritual reaping. Here we see the song of the soul winner. Today, in the Bible lands we can still see farmers with leather seed baskets strapped across their shoulders, spreading seeds by hand in their fields. They sow in hopes of a harvest. This pictures our responsibility to sow the good seed of the Word of God in the hearts of people so that a golden harvest will be reaped for heaven’s granaries.
A sower must go (Ps. 126:6). The Bible teaches that every believer should be going. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed all believers to go (Matt. 28:19). This command to “go” can be translated “as you are going.” A lot of Christians have the idea that somehow people on their own are going to want to come to church, hear the gospel, and then be saved. Usually, however, people who come to church and are saved were first invited to come. Philip (Acts 8:6), Peter (Acts 10), Barnabas and Saul (Paul) (Acts 13), and Paul with others (Acts 16) are examples of believers who were “going” Christians. These men were only following Jesus’ example (Luke 19:10). Are we “going”? Are we seeking the lost, those who need to be saved?
A sower must “continually go” (Ps. 126:6), scattering the seed everywhere in the field. Acts 1:8 makes the world our field to sow. People who need the Lord are everywhere we go.
A gospel sower will weep (126:5, 6). People who shed genuine tears in their work know the importance of what they are doing. Who weeps today for those who need Jesus as their Savior? Charles Spurgeon said, “We will never be winners of souls until first we are weepers for souls. Tears of earnestness beget tears of repentance.”
A gospel sower knows the value of the seed. Jesus said that the seed is the priceless Word of God (Luke 8:11). And just like a seed has to be planted before it can do any good, we have to plant the Word of God in the hearts of people.
A gospel sower will reap and rejoice. Note the word doubtless (126:6). If we will be faithful to share His Word, God will use us to lead others to Christ. Does this mean everyone we witness to will be saved? No. Paul reminded us that not everyone will be saved (1 Cor. 9:22). But that did not keep him from sharing, and it should not keep us from sharing either (Gal. 6:9).
The word sheaves (126:6) pictures bundles of harvested grain brought to the threshing floor as the people thanked the Lord for the wonderful harvest. Witnessing believers are going to be a thankful and joy-filled group. Our “sheaves” are people who have been wrapped by the grace of God and are being carried to the great threshing floor of glory. What a joyful time that will be, especially for every believer who has been faithful to sow the good seed of the gospel!
Copyright © 2020 by Jerry Vines.
As to the SRT focus – JOY – I was quickly reminded of the children’s song:
“I’ve got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart. Down in my heart. Down in my heart. I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart, down in my heart to STAY. Then, PEACE in my heart, etc. ❤ So sorry for the extra long post!
Thank you Cee Gee!! There is so much good stuff to chew on here!! Love it! Especially about planted the seeds…it’s OUR DUTY as Christians to “go and plant!’
❤ Rhonda, we just started studying Acts in SS so that impacted me, too!
My comment is awaiting moderation again today. Here is my post, but without the link…
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MEME FAYE mentioned this song.( I read comments on the app and then also here… I don’t see it here. I think it was on the app.)
My fave version of “In Christ Alone” is by Travis Cottrell. I love the crescendo when Christ bursts forth from the grave. I just listened to it, and think I need to listen to it every! day! Especially as I have an appointment tomorrow morning to investigate some neurological issues I am having… please pray for me. My appointment is at 10:15, Central. Thanks, much!)
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I love “In Christ Alone” as well! Lifting you up in prayer too!
Thanks, Rhonda
Prayers! ❤
Thanks much, CeeGee!
I, too, remember this beautiful story and love your updated conclusion, Tina! ❤
MEME FAYE mentioned this song. I read comments on the app and then also here… I don’t see it here. I think it was on the app.)
This is my fave version of “In Christ Alone” by Travis Cottrell. I love the crescendo when Christ bursts forth from the grave. I just listened to it, and think I need to listen to it every! day!
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https://youtu.be/AjR_A2pGPrY?si=ZrWxBIhImsfuLN1G
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion”. I LOVE this! When!! not “If”, but WHEN. This means that God DOES do things, He DOES restore. He DOES bring joy to His people. This is not a “maybe”. Whatever state we’re in, it’s temporary. Whatever hardship, whatever struggle…it’s temporary.
Hello Shes
Bebe & CeCe Winans sing a song called “ Count it all Joy” (no matter what you’re going through) with an upbeat tempo. Turn it on & up loud.
(Especially when those dark thoughts threaten.)
And throw yourself a 30 second (minimum) dance party!
Thanks be to God!
GWINETH52, sending you hugs covered in prayers..❤️
Ladies, you state your responses so true, I can relate to each and everyone of you, as I am sure we all can. Thank you Lord for bringing us joy in the midst of our sorrows.
I have dealt with fibromyalgia since I was 26. I am now 68. With it comes depression. I have found my way out of sorrow to real joy is I recall all that God gas done in my life. I start every day with prayer, reading my Bible and worship. No matter how I feel I get up get dressed, put makeup on and start my day with God, and get moving! Not always fun but the Lord is my strength.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Psalms 28:7 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.28.7.NIV
‘Shouts of Joy’ by Harvest is directly inspired by this psalm and I love it :) It’s one I’ve clung to in the past few years when I have not felt particularly joyful!
My family is currently struggling financially. We recently moved into a new house & my work is only during the school year. We have an almost 2 year old so I stay home with him to save money on childcare. Things have been really tough & tight. Vs. 4 struck differently since I could really use “fortunes flowing like the watercourse of the Negev.” I have to remember that God is in control & he is holding me & my family in his hands. He has provided before & will not stop now. Faith in these times is hard but I try to find comfort knowing God is in control.
Dear She
Pray you be calm.
Pray you be confident.
Pray you be comforted.
Pray, pray, pray.
What makes it hard for me to remember or experience joy when I feel sorrowful is when I start asking myself, “when is this going to end” knowing that JOY does come in the morning Psalm 30.5. I try to remind myself that like labor pain, it doesn’t last forever (even though it feels like it), BUT it doesn’t. And that gives me HOPE and strength to keep moving forward. I literally take-a-deep-breathe. I need to be reminded of JOY when it comes to the current happenings of this world, I need remind myself JESUS is coming for us and that the present happenings our world are no longer going to be remembered.
Yes! Amen! Suffering for a time..but unspeakable Joy comes!
In answer to the first question, negativity . Sometimes can wallow, not a good thing to do. The second, is when things are hectic and schedules are changing and more is added to the “to do” list. I have to remind myself that I have asked Jesus to use me each day, that I may serve. Some days, He makes them busier and more challenging. That is when I need to seek more joy as He only gives what I can handle and not just on my own. May you all find some joy in your day. Blessings.
I never thought of myself as a morose person. Outwardly, I think people generally would describe me as cheerful, perky, friendly. But when I am in my own home, by myself…different story. My husband sees the worst in me, I’m sure. But I think because I tend to be perfectionistic, I get disappointed easily, discouraged if I don’t see movement, and it just spirals from there.I often cry out to God, “Things are not getting better!” This is when I forget any joy that I might have had. I’m ashamed to admit it. I need to be reminded of the joy I once had in my marriage. I’m struggling right now. I don’t see how it will ever get better.
Dear She
May joy sneak up & surprise you today!
And see with your mind’s eye … God’s in His Heaven making all things right in the world.
I feel every word of this. I will be praying for you ❤️
Hugs, and thanks for the honesty! That’s what we need to be with each other! It’s so true how we can be a certain way around everyone else, then in the privacy of our own home we are another way (even if caused by the people in our home or sometimes not). I get very tired and annoyed, and deflated of the cycle in our home when I feel like I want no part of it! I’m like..can’t we just all get along…quit stealing my joy! But I find if I put in the effort beforehand that usually derails it (the old adage that marriage is a lot of work). There has been no betrayal here though…I can’t imagine having to work through that. I will keep lifting you up. Is the counseling not helping?
Counseling gave us good tips, but it only works if we put it into practice, and that takes hard work and patience. With so much history together, sometimes it is hard to change the way we communicate. We will continue to fight for our marriage and the Lord is on our side. Thank you for praying.
I think of the song by Tauren Wells “The will be Joy.” I like the version with Elevation Worship!
GM She’s!
Hard to get in here to comment because my morning talkative husband is back after being out of town for 10 days! lol. We definitely have unique differences in that area! And..there have been SO many comments early compared to other studies! Psalms is a winner, and shorter than ever I remember of any SRT studies! Anyway…JOY is my FAVORITE word!! I have unspeakable joy in me most times, even if I am not showing it. Yes, I can experience other feelings but it is a deep knowing that Christ is with me..Christ is in me…it all works in the end because He Saved me!! I am one that is naturally glass half-full mindset. I would wonder why people are so downtrodden and worrisome. Of course..the older you get the more troubles seem to come, but I find putting them in perspective and comparative to others, most of us have it pretty good even in our current circumstances. My pain gets me frustrated, I am sad that I can’t do the things I once loved, and that my back really hurts most days all day…but I can walk and do, so I do. God uses us in our circumstances and trials for his Glory and our glory!! We are reading Be Hopeful by Wieber. It is on the book of Peter which is on trials, and I found it SO uplifting last night reading through it! I am leading our Chronic Pain group today! I highly recommend it if you are going through health issues. Also, the book I am reading for my Saturday group..Giant Killers, by my pastor Angie Jeffcoat is really good for slaying those giants the devil try to bring against us!! Perspective is everything, and we need a Jesus Christ perspective!! We are HIS children, and we are to have unspeakable Joy..not other feelings as well, but something different, a coping, because of Him!
Your joy encouraged me! Thank you!
Love your comment. I too tend to see the glass half full. I remember telling Tanner that he saw the glass half empty way to often. He said and I quote, “What’s the difference?”!!
I need to be reminded to have joy in my new empty nester season of life and embrace a new home, church and friendships.
Dear She
An empty nest equals an open door.
Walk right in. Joy awaits!
Thanks be to God!
I can be very focused on results and lose my joy on the journey. I’m asking God to help me slow down and savor the beauty of each moment with Him along the way. God, please forgive me for despising small beginnings and walking together towards the fulfillment of all my prayers.
I echo so many of your comments. Looking inward instead of outward keeps me in a spiral of fear, worry and what ifs. I often am so wrapped up in myself that I give but a fleeting thought to God. I’m trying to remind myself to be still and take some breaths to focus on God when my mind gets squirrely. One of you mentioned breath prayers. I love that idea.
I need to be reminded of joy with my 19 year old daughter. So much focus is on her mental health (anxiety, panic, depression) that I find myself wishing she were like so and so (hard to say this bc I feel so guilty). I want to accept her for who she is and what she is going thru, and I am encouraged from todays Psalm that my tears to God are like seeds for a future harvest.
I have shed so many tears for my children. I, too, have felt jealous of other moms who seem to have kids who are less complicated and more put-together then mine. Thank you for this reminder: “that my tears to God are like seeds for a future harvest.” Love that!
In John 15 Jesus describes us as a branch on His vine- and we are to bear fruit because we are chosen to do so. He describes the way to do this – by loving people like He loves us. I believe loving like He loves us involves us giving ourselves to other people sacrificially. If we do that He says we will experience true joy- His joy- which is complete joy!
Yes, Alana was found Saturday morning and not all that far from where she lives. Thank you for praying for her! After more than a week of not knowing where she was, or even if she was alive, she was finally found by police. I don’t have many details, but she was not doing well physically or mentally. She has been experiencing serious spiritual and mental health issues for several years which have been escalating recently. It is my understanding that they expect her to be committed to a mental health facility this week.
Please pray for her spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. Please also pray for the whole family as they deal with the stress of this situation and seek how best to help her.
SO GLAD she was found alive!! Please, God, bring her to a place where healing and restoration can happen for her and for her family!!
Amen
Thank the Lord
So thankful she was found alive. Praying for her to be restored to complete health physically, spiritually and mentally. Also praying for her family that God will show them what is the best way to help her. Praying for strength and courage for all of them.
I’m forgetting to find joy in my oldest child. She’s 20 and has made it abundantly clear that her priorities are not with God or her family. She also has a boyfriend that we’ve had to say is no longer welcome in our home due to the fact that he’s so disrespectful. It kills me because I know that means less time with her. My heart is so very sad.
Hi Libby I have a 20 year old daughter and can relate. I’ll be praying for you!
I think of my niece that is 20 as well. She is living a harmful lifestyle, and just had to move back in with my sister because of high temper fights with a boyfriend..and the bf stays there a lot and caused problems with another child. It is so hard on my sister and causes emotional stress nonstop in her. :(
There’s a Matthew West song, Don’t Stop Praying! I have a 36-year old daughter who is walking with Jesus and a 28-year old who I never thought would follow Jesus,but did start on that journey 2 years before her death. I am thankful that she finally said yes to Jesus and that we’ll have a great reunion someday in Heaven. So, Libby, don’t ever stop praying for your 20-year old. Wear out the carpet with your knees. I’ll be praying for her too.
Cara – thank you for sharing. I am so glad for you that your daughter found a relationship with Christ – before He called her home.
It gives me hope, I have 2 adult prodigal sons, age 36 & age 26. I never stop praying!!
Praying for your daughter Libby. ❤️
What keeps me from joy in the middle of sorrow is my tendency to start playing the bad things in my head and start wondering
“what if” but with worst case scenarios.
That, combined with legitimate emotions that we go through during sorrowful situations, and I start working myself up into an anxious mess. One thing that has helped me is practicing breath prayers- short prayers that are said in time with the rhythm of breathing. I find that the prayer itself, combined with controlled breathing, helps the body relax and I am able to have more clarity and peace.
What keeps me from joy in the middle of sorrow is my tendency to start playing the bad things in my head and start wondering “what if” but with worst case scenarios. That, combined with legitimate emotions that we go through during sorrowful situations, and I start working myself up into an anxious mess. One thing that has helped me is practicing breath prayers— short prayers that are said in time with the rhythm of breathing. I find that the prayer itself combined with controlled breathing helps the body relax.
Last week was a week where my joy was hard to find and that bothered me as I tend to be joyful in most circumstances. I wrestled with why can’t I get out of my grumpy mood. Some of it was because I physically wasn’t feeling well. Some of the other reasons were because I didn’t feel valued and my intelligence, which is an identity piece God showed me, was questioned. I was able to Sabbath and rest and my joy is returning. I need to remember the joy is in resting in God. I need to find God’s joy in the caregiving certain family members right now who are struggling with their reality.
Oh dear Tina the But God moments helped me through my grump last week. He brought people to ask and check on me.
Yay, Danielle!
Let God (valuable assist by Tina) get rid of your Grump. There’s a song that goes…”Smile though your heart is aching/breaking/quaking…”
Amen & Amen
“Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.”
I know this is true with all of my heart. When Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit, I Believe this is the foundation for our redemption. It was not until I was completely shattered that I felt God so near, which became my source of joy. As God took me from sowing the seeds of sorrow to reaping the shouts of joy, now I am more afraid. Sitting in the joy is more scary to me because it feels too good to be true. Just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Even though I know God is still as present here, it doesn’t feel the same as when he was nursing me back to life. I feel him pushing me out the nest, and I don’t want to go. Help me to trust that your joy is everlasting. That it cannot be taken.
I always feel a lack of support and extreme doubt in my self worth. It distracts me from seeing how God uses me in situations to bring Him glory and how others draw near because they see the worthiness in me and how I’m a blessing to others too even in my lowest. I have changed my mind to reaffirming thoughts, being grateful and fearless. I lean into my yearning for more intimacy with the Lord to satisfy me in all ways
It’s often hard to find joy when I focus so much on myself and how the circumstances are affecting me. There is part of a song that says “I won’t be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true.” I often have to sing that and remind myself that even in a hard situation, I cannot let all my thoughts and actions be formed by my feelings. Lord, help me to find joy even in the struggles of life. Help me to teach my kids how to find their joy and hope in the Lord.
Dear Katie
You graciously shared a sound mantra:
“I won’t be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true.” I often have to sing that and remind myself that even in a hard situation, I cannot let all my thoughts and actions be formed by my feelings.”
Amen & Amen
❤️
Thank you Searching, Kelly, Ellen, Julia, Tricia, Tina for sharing your thoughts, songs and stories. They so enriched me this morning. A couple of years before I retired, my job as a teacher was getting more and more difficult, pressure-filled and thankless. A teammate and I would tell each other every morning to “find the joy” (thank you Searching for that reminder ❤️) I will work to make that a daily mantra. When my seasons get difficult, may I remember that even though I sow in tears, I will reap in joy as long as I keep my eyes on God!
Praying for requests – happy Tuesday all ❤️
AND may I listen when God tells me “I want to give you the very best of joys.. my joy..Golden JOY” – loved this Tina!
It’s so easy to only see and feel the pain in front of me that I have to work to remind myself that He fights my battles and He upholds me in his victorious right hand. I need to lean in to all the joy that His gifts have provided in my life. I wait on the Lord in my marriage and at work. Amen
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongues was shouts of joy… The Lord has done great things for us we are glad.” This was the theme verse for our wedding 34 years ago, and has been our focus ever since. It is so easy and human to dwell on the hard things, the pain, and what is not God-like in this world. It is so much richer to focus on joy, which we often miss when we are too steeped in the sorrow. Rejoice, always! May “team joy” be your gold medal, too, today and forevermore!
❤️
I LOVE that that was your wedding verse!
Team joy… I love that! I will be focusing on which team I’m on today (and every day!)
When feeling sorrowful it is hard for me to experience joy because I focus so much on my feelings and circumstance. I forget to look back at the faithfulness of the Lord and how he provides in times of hardships. I need to reminded of joy when it comes to complaining
Me, too. I get caught up in my emotions and my circumstances. But, I find God always has a way to pull me back, thank goodness!!!! Praise the Lord!
At times, the hard days seem to suffocate the memories, knowledge and truth of joy. When consumed or overwhelmed by pain, frustration, grief, plans that have fallen apart, a true need that I can’t seem to meet … the Lord is still on the throne, He still loves me, He still protects me, He still has His plan for me and I am still His beloved child.
Joyful and Whoop worthy, KELLY (NEO).
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I need to be reminded of joy in many areas these days. It’s always there if I look carefully and remind myself … find the joy.
—
Songs … Bless His Holy Name, Andraé Crouch
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
..
He has done great things,
he has done great things,
he has done great things,
bless his holy name!
—
And Mercy Me’s, Even If.
They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now
Right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage
Night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now
Oh, right now, I just can’t
[Pre-Chorus]
It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now?
[Chorus]
I know You’re able
And I know You can
Save through the fire
With Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
Verse 2]
They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well, good thing
A little faith is all I have right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh, give me the strength
To be able to sing
“It is well with my soul”
[Chorus]
I know You’re able
And I know You can
Save through the fire
With Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow
And I know the hurt
Would all go away
If You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
[Bridge]
You’ve been faithful
You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can
—
VICTORIA E -praying for answers and resolution to pain
CATHERINE MCVEY – praying for you, thank you for the update ❤️
DONNA WOLCOTT – praying for Anya!
RHONDA J – continuing to pray for Braydon and a turnaround for him
—
Prayer request – in talking with someone working at our home yesterday, his younger brother Trey is living a drug and crime filled life, convinced there is no way out. Praying he will seek the Lord and His guidance for the help needed.
—
ERB ❤️ your roundup of last week’s study – so good!
—
BG verse today is Psalm 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Praying Trey will see there is a depth in him that can only be filled by God. I pray he would see his gifts and talents are not his own, but the Lord’s, and that he would turn his life around in the name of Jesus. Praying your coworker (his sibling) would not lose hope and would look to see God in this story, Searching. ♥️
*or rather the person working in your home, not coworker lol
Lol. I was about to post that I’m not smart enough to be his coworker :) I may not see him again but will continue to pray for his brother – he is so burdened with concern for Trey’s future, so much so that he shared it with me, a stranger.
Love you! ❤️
What a blessing for him to have that opportunity! Wow, talk about a divine appointment! I’m sure your words if wisdom and comfort will help him deal with his brother. Praying with you for both of them. ❤
@Searching- Thankful God led this worker to share his burden, so that you could share it with the praying SHE’s!
Whoop❣️
When my eyes are looking down, or within, I can get sucked into sorrow, worry, anxiety. But when I “lift my eyes” things change.
I lift my eyes into the hills..
Jesus tells his disciples, “lift up your eyes and look” (John 4:35)
Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? (Isaiah 40:26)
Song by I Am Them:
I’ve never asked these questions
I’ve never felt so broken
Oh, God, what do I do now?
I’ve never cried this way
I’ve never seen such pain
Oh, God, what do I do now?
But even here, even now
I lift my eyes to Heaven and remember I am loved
I lift these weary hands and let my Father pick me up
More than answers, more than healing
God, Your presence is enough
I lift my eyes to Heaven and remember
You’re still where my help comes from
Oh how I remember and need to remind myself,. I think even more so, I need to ask God to remind me.
Tracking with all of the above comments this morning…Kim, as I read your comments quickly, I saw “REWIND” instead of remind on the final instance…. Somehow, i resonated with that… As a clockmaker repairs a “sprung coil” in a clock… Lord… “REWIND” me!! ♥️
I was taking a peloton ride once to Lauren daigles look up child and the instructor said there is actually a measurable neurological change that happens when you look up, literally improving your mood. She had us try it and when I did my eyes just filled with tears of joy. I can’t do it now without smiling thinking of all the details of our bodies pointing to him
Thanks for sharing this tidbit Lanie!!
LOVELovelove that song! Thanks for relaying that mind-body-soul connection.
❤️
What makes it hard for you to remember or experience joy when you feel sorrowful?
.
Sorrow, heartbreak, anger, stress are all legit emotions that smother joy because I am looking inward instead of upward.
.
.
In what area of your life do you most need to be reminded of joy?
.
Definitely in the area of my job. (ERB, are you still praying?) I’ve been there 8.5 years now and 6 of those years have been a roller-coaster of changes company wide. Most are for the good of the company/ministry but the unsettle-ness is wearisome and seemingly unending.
.
.
CHERYL S – has Alana been located?
.
Praying for your requests ❤️
Praying, Kelly ❤️
Praying with you about your job situation! So glad you asked about Alana; I was thinking of her yesterday! ❤
Praying for you, Kelly ❤️
Dear Kelly, praying for you and the unsettled-ness at work and your heart. It can’t be easy, BUT GOD..
Sending some joyfilled love and hugs your way..❤️
We are in a sad season. My daughter’s marriage in serious trouble. I still have joy for the Lord but can’t wait for this season to pass…
Praying, Jill.
Praying, Jill. That must be so very difficult. When our kids hurt, we hurt.
Dear Jill, praying for your daughter and her husband.
“He drops a seed and a tear, a seed and a tear, and so goes on his way. In his basket he has seed which is precious to him, for he has little of it, and it is his hope for the next year. Each grain leaves his hand with anxious prayer that it may not be lost: he thinks little of himself, but much of his seed, and he eagerly asks, ‘Will it prosper? shall I receive a reward for my labour?’ Yes…doubtless you will gather sheaves from your sowing.” (Spurgeon)
—
Hebrews 12:2 | For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
—
From Tim Keller’s sermon “Infallible Joy”: Jesus says one of the main resources his disciples need in life is joy. And he says joy is something he gives (John 15:11). In John 16 we see that God’s joy is:
1) is inevitable,
2) is not circumstantial,
3) is thoughtful,
4) is prayerful,
5) is based on wonder.
—
John 16:22 | So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.
Thank you, Julia❣️
Sometimes when I am sorrowful it is hard to find joy. But God…He steps right in and remind me that true Joy is found in Him alone. When I turn to Him for my Hope, Joy creeps right in there.
I’m not sure why, but this song just came to mind. It reminds me of the joy I can experience because of the Glory to come.
“Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of glory divine….”
Have a wonderful Tuesday dear Sisters!
Amen. In Him alone ❤️
I am sure I have told this story before..
I was in a Christian bookstore some years ago now, and as I looked around I saw biblical words such as love, hope, faith, joy in gold and silver with ribbon to hang. Much as I would have loved to have bought them all at once, i couldn’t, so I chose the HOPE first, in silver. A few weeks later, I thought I’d go and get the JOY also in silver, they had sold out, but were expecting more in. I took LOVE home, in silver. A week later, as i passed the shop, I popped in, hopeful, to get me some joy, still not available in silver, but, there was a larger size joy, in gold. I wanted them all to be the same, so I passed on that one and brought FAITH home in silver. I looked in a couple of days later, still no joy in silver, and as I walked away saddened..
BUT GOD..
I heard as clear as day, God say to me I want to give you the very best of joys.. my joy..Golden JOY.
He didn’t have to tell me twice! I’d been waiting for joy in the inferior silver when God wanted to give me gold.
Psalm 126, another, close to my heart.. when my heart was broken and I could not breathe, the words..
Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed, will come back singing for joy, as they bring in the harvest..
I sing, oh, how I sing for joy. Not because I’ve brought in any harvest, but because the joy of the Lord has been my strength, my rock, my song..
Praise be to God.. always.
AMEN.
Prayerful, my dears that you know GOLDEN joy today, whatever your day looks like.
Much love,
Tina ♥️
I remember this story! God’s golden joy…❤️
Beautiful! ❤️
Golden joy, indeed❣️
I love this story! Thank you for sharing. I see joy in so much, however, my struggle is with my children. Having joy around them always, instead of correcting or recommending or reminding them of what they should be acting like or saying or doing. They need to see the joy of the Lord in me first. And I need to just give it all to God, the joy they seem to lack some days. Oh, it is my struggle. Instead of complaining, I need to go to God. Always.
.. to see the joy of the Lord in me first..” I love that!
It will be well dear Tara B, it will be well..
Hugs..❤️
Thank you for sharing this Tina- I love it so much! And I love when the Lord gives us these kinds of special messages! You are a blessing to all of us She’s! Have a wonderful day!
I, too, remember this beautiful story and love your updated conclusion, Tina! ❤
Thank you, Tina for this story today. I needed to hear it.
I love this story so much! When I was walking through my deepest valley, I was drawn to anything I saw that had the word JOY. But I don’t think I ever had a “golden” JOY!
What a special story!
It makes me want to go find a golden Joy for our home.
On the wall going upstairs we have this saying:
Music expresses the joy of the soul.
Taking Steve to see his rheumatologist today and hoping for good news of improvement.
Hugs to all ❤️
Praying for some ‘golden’ results for steve, orchestrated by the One and only who knows your story so very well and wants the best for you both.. keep us posted GRAMSIESUE..
Much love., always covered in prayers..❤️
Love this!
Like, RHONDA J…. I see myself as a glass half full kinda girl. Your words remind me not to settle for an inferior item but to see the better one. Thank you for joy, God!
Beautiful golden joy!
God’s Golden Joy! ❤️
Thank you for sharing Tina – I too, remember your story! Keep sharing – it uplifts, motivates and inspires us all! ❤️