Where do I find joy?

Joy can be so elusive. 

Full Definition of JOY

1a: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires b: the expression or exhibition of such emotion

2 a state of happiness or felicity

3 a source or cause of delight

beatitude, blessedness, bliss, blissfulness, felicity, gladness, joy, elatedness, delight, cheerfulness, comfort, contentedness

(found here)

 

I find that discontentment, distrust, worry, fear, and just plain sin all seem to steal my joy.  In losing my joy, I lose so much else.  I lose love.  Without joy, love is impossible.  I lose kindness and patience.  Without joy, look out kids!  Without joy in my house, my house is not a home.  A mother whose heart is following God's ways must have joy.  I can cook, clean, and teach - all without joy.  If I do, those things get done - but not done well.  I have been so focused on what steals my joy, that I have missed what brings me joy!

 

What can I do to regain joy?  I know I have lost something because I remember having it.  Not very profound, but true.  I once had joy.  I am tempted to look "back" to circumstances:

without kids.

single.

in college.

in high school.

as a child.

clean house.

nice clothes.

quiet.

 

Although joy was found in each of those places or circumstances, they did not provide for me joy.  So, where is joy found?  I am on a journey to find joy - mainly through the psalms.  After doing a quick search, here are some initial thoughts:

 

Joy is found in:

 

1. Prayer

Psalms 5:11

 

2. The Presence of God

Psalm 16:11, 63:1,5, 65:13, 67:4, 81:1, 89:15, 95:1,2

 

3. Strength and Salvation

Psalm 21:1, 35:9, 51:12

 

4. Forgiveness and Mercy

Psalm 32:1ff, 106:1

 

5. Praising God in Church/Nature

Psalm 32:11, 33:3, 42:4, 43:4, 66:1, 9612, 98:4-8, 122:1, 132:9, 137:6, 149:2-5

 

6. Mount Zion

Psalm 48:2, 126:1

 

7. Broken Bones

Psalm 51:8

 

8. Sacrifices

Psalm 27:6

 

Psalm 113:9 – He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children

 

I am on a journey to regain joy - for the sake of my husband, my kids, my laundry, and especially my relationship with God!