There was a time in my life when God crushed my plans unexpectedly. I was set on my specific plan and he decided to take another route. For months, I’ve been devastated. I learned that I based my joy and worth on my circumstances. I didn’t prioritize God’s kingdom and his will as much as I should have.
During that time, I’ve learned that true joy isn’t found in what’s going on in my life at the moment, but in God alone. Even though my life took a drastic and unexpected turn, God taught me to be joyful in everything. He showed me the steps I’m sharing with you today. I’ve been following them as good as I could, and joy started to overtake my heart. There’s truly nothing else that we need to be joyful. It’s all found in God alone.
1. Spend a lot of time with God.
God is the source of all joy. For you to be joyful you need to spend time with the one who can fill you with true joy. Make daily quiet time with your creator a habit. He loves to be near to you and fill you up with his love.
You make 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
2. Practice daily gratitude.
Being grateful for what you have fills your heart with joy and contentment. And by giving thanks, you honor God for all the good things he has already done in your life.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1. Chronicles 16:34
3. Praise him even though you don’t feel like it.
When you don’t feel like praying and praising God, that’s when you need him the most. Remember that God’s love and faithfulness remain no matter your circumstances. Start praising him in every situation and you will witness your heart changing over time.
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. Psalm 28:7
4. Realize that everything in life is an opportunity to grow, mature and develop.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
The trials you’re facing right now may be a steppingstone for promotion. Consider your situation and look how you can develop your character. Envision yourself coming out of this difficult time: How strong will you be when you made it through all of that? Will your faith and trust in God be even deeper?
5. Joy is found in righteousness.
Because of what Jesus’s death and resurrection, you have right standing with God. This means you’ve been forgiven and reconciled to him. You have victory through the blood of Christ and darkness can’t take a hold of you. Further, walking in God’s will and his ways increases your joy even more.
Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Psalm 97:11
6. Don’t focus on your circumstances but look to God’s promises.
Throughout the Bible, God promises us good things. If you’re going through financial difficulties, he’s your provider (Matthew 6:25-27). If you’re going through loss, he is your comforter (Matthew 5:4). Whatever you’re going through find Scriptures that promise God’s goodness in your particular situation.
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:20-21
If you’re going through a difficult time, I want to encourage you to find your joy in God. You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude and response. Patiently practice these 6 things and over time you will see that your heart is full of joy despite your circumstances. Real lasting joy is only found in God.
Related blog posts:
8 things that 5 years of chronic pain taught me
What to do when things don’t turn out the way you want them to
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2 replies on “How to find joy in God despite your circumstances. 6 tips.”
I quite literally prayed for this yesterday in mass. I prayed that God would help me find joy despite the difficulties I am currently facing in my life right now. Your email can today. God is good ❤️
Hi Monica! That’s great timing. I’m sure you will see the difference in your life as you start applying these tips. I’m praying for you 😉