You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
psalms 16:11
The holidays are upon us, and they are usually portrayed as a time of joy and celebration. But what if joy feels out of reach? What if you’re carrying the weight of heartache instead of excitement? This season can feel like a spotlight on all the things that haven’t gone as planned, on the pain we try to bury under the surface. It’s hard to find joy when you’re struggling, especially when everyone around you seems so full of it.
I remember a holiday season not too long ago when joy felt like a distant dream. Grief and heartache had stolen its place. Each day felt heavy, and finding that spark of joy I had always looked forward to seemed impossible. But in those moments, I realized that the joy God offers isn’t tied to our circumstances. It’s not found in the perfect family gatherings or beautifully wrapped gifts. It’s found in His presence, even in the middle of our pain.
This verse doesn’t deny the reality of our struggles. It doesn’t pretend the heartache isn’t there. But it tells us that even during our pain, when we draw near to God, there’s joy in His presence. It may not look like the joy we expect, but it’s a deep, sustaining joy that can carry us through the darkest times. It’s a joy that endures, that doesn’t fade with our circumstances. If you’re struggling to find joy this holiday season, I encourage you to run to your heavenly Father. Bring Him your heartache, your doubts, and your weariness. Joy doesn’t have to mean you’re always smilingāit means trusting that God is with you and carrying you through, even when life feels hard.
Debbie, I have been through some difficult times as you and so many others. Thankfully family and friends were there to help me through it, showing me Christās love and comfort.
Love the words you shared! Love ya, Susanšš
Susan, Iām pretty sure itās those hard times that teach us some very important and valuable things. We need to know in this lifetime. Things like this post that weāve been through and can share with others so that they will know there is hope on the other side of whatever facing. And to find His JOY is a blessing. Wishing you a wonderful week, my friend.
Thank you, Debbie. Your posts come at just the right time! You are so right. Down here where I live now there is a sign over a driveway that says āHappiness is knowing Jesus.ā Thank you for your inspirational messages.
Mary, you are so welcome. That sign is correct. Happiness is knowing Jesus. Knowing that weāre only here for a short time. When we leave here and go to our heavenly home for all eternity, things will be perfect. I know that boggles a lot of peoples minds used to mine and it times it still does to think that, somethings going to last for all eternity and be perfect And a bliss! You have a wonderful week my friend the holidays are fast approaching.
Thank you, Debbie, for your timely and meaningful reminders š
Blessings āØļø always
Vonnie, You are so welcome, my friend. I hope that youāre doing well. Feeling well and enjoying yourself as much as you possibly can. Wishing you a wonderful blessed week.
So so trueā¤ļøā¤ļø
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I’ve had my share of holidays like that and it’s hard to convince yourself that better days will come. I’m grateful that I have found my JOY in unexpected places… It’s in the eyes of my grandchildren….their sweet little voices saying “I love you Nana” and them falling asleep in my arms. They help me keep joy in my heart all year long.
Praying you find your joy in unexpected places.
Xo
Wendy, thank you. I truly have so this post was to let others know they too can find His true JOY. You have an amazing holiday season of wonderful Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas.
Thank you, Debbie, for these inspiring and word and scripture. They help me in me to accept a certain thing that is going on right now in my life. God bless you and yours.
Mary, you are so welcome, my friend
This was a wonderful reminder of where true joy comes from. Thank you! Praying for you and please pray for me. Tomorrow is my EGD to have some polyps removed from my stomach that are different from the regular ones I always have. She saw these 2 years ago and said the guidelines have changed and they must come out. Also I usually have a few in my colon, some pre-cancerous.
Debra, you are in my thoughts and Iāll be praying for you. I hope that everything comes out fine. Different doesnāt have to mean bad. Weāre going to look at this positively. Iām having my colonoscopy and endoscopy November 22. I always have polyps so I understand what youāre saying, but they are Pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and intestines thatās why they want me back more often than I guess. Most people go. Iām not sure but back to you, Iāll be praying and I hope others that read this will be praying for a good outcome. Please keep us posted.
Thank you Debbie! Iāll be praying about your procedure, too. And your hip replacement. She removed some large dark ones from my stomach and some from my colon. Diagnosed me with Diverticulitis as well. I just wish the diarrhea and nausea would get better. Itās been a rough 28 months!
I am so sorry, dear. My mother had diverticulitis and went through the same thing often on it would go into remission. I guess you could say, and then there would be certain things she would eat that would just set it off for her. I do believe she had to stick to a very strict diet. I donāt think she took any medication for it. She has been gone over 14 years so it is hard for me to remember all of that. I just know she did have diverticulitis. And the days will get better, dear. I promise you just need to stay away from anything that has tiny little seeds of any kind in it .