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 smiling—it means trusting that God is with you and carrying you through, even when life feels hard.