How To Choose Joy During Stressful Times
There is a song that I used to sing when I was in Sunday school. It was all about joy, and it goes like this:
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I remember singing this song as loud as I could. And just singing the song made me feel happy and full of joy.
Have you ever known people who seemed happy even though they were going through the worst circumstances? I’ve seen children who live in extreme poverty, have very little food, tattered clothing, and only trash to play with as toys, and yet they are laughing and happy. They have JOY!
Have you ever known people who always seem negative even though they seem to have everything? I know people who live in huge houses, have lots and lots of money and expensive clothing, and are dripping in diamonds, but they are miserable and unhappy.
In most people’s minds, the person with everything should be happiest, which is a natural reaction. Most of us have heard the saying; Money can’t buy you happiness,” which is probably true. However, happiness is not what any of us should even strive for.
Instead of looking for “happiness,” you should be looking for “joy.” Happiness is an emotion that we experience from our surroundings. If it is raining outside, that can put you in a bad mood. You might have a bad hair day, which takes away your happiness. If happiness depends on circumstances we can’t control, then happiness happens to you. Happiness isn’t something that you can choose, and happiness can’t be sustained.
Joy, however, is a choice. Joy is an attitude that comes from deep inside our hearts and soul. It is a feeling of contentment or peace, and even when things get hard, the feeling of joy can still stay with you.
I recently started a Read The Bible In A Year program, and we are stuck in the book of Job. I say stuck because this book is emotionally hard to read. If anyone had a right to be void of joy, it would be Job.
Job 6:10
10 Then I would still have this consolation—my joy in unrelenting pain—that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.
Job lost everything. He lost his livestock, he lost his servants, and he lost his children. Job was not happy because these were circumstances that he could not control. However, he still had joy, and he still praised the Lord.
Job 6:20-22
20 When Job heard this, he tore his clothes and shaved his head because of his great sorrow. He knelt on the ground, then worshiped God 21 and said: “We bring nothing at birth; we take nothing with us at death. The Lord alone gives and takes. Praise the name of the Lord!” 22 In spite of everything, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong.
I’m not sure I could be like Job. I want to be, but while you are going through a swirling downward spiral, it is hard to find joy. I could see clinging to hope, but joy doesn’t always come easy.
So, how do we find joy when everything is out of control? Joy comes when we choose to trust in the Lord. Feeling grief, sorrow, and being heartbroken is normal in the face of loss. Remembering to praise the Lord and knowing that His plans are greater than yours will make choosing to have joy easier. With joy, there is always HOPE!
The God Goes The Glory!
Have a Blessed Day!
Very inspiring, Tania. Thanks for the reminder to trust in the Lord for everything, including our joy. I really enjoy reading your posts and seeing that in addition to your style knowledge and tips, you are a fellow Christian on this journey with all of us. You made me smile!
Thank you for this reminder of choosing JOY. It took me sometime. as a Christian to understand the full meaning of this, especially when you are struggling with hardships in your life. Your Sunday messages are always so inspiring. and so TRUTHFUL! I love that song too!!!!
You are always very inspiring and uplifting. Wonderful post!
Thanks for this beautifully written reminder! Today, and tomorrow, because of God’s amazing grace of sending His one and only Son to die for my sins—I choose JOY! There is no greater gift or sacrifice that has ever been made that compares to God’s gift to us! Thanks for shining for Him in all you do, Tania! What a tremendous blessing you are!
I love that song as well and have sang it all my life. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Thanks for your post today and the reminders.
I remember that song growing that we would sing in sunday school. LOVE!
Thank you for the reminder of Job who lost everything and still praised God. I don’t know if I would do that? Job never sinned, I don’t know if I would have the strength to not sin? What I know that trials are coming and I pray that God gives me the strength to survive them.
Have wonderful week!
Thank you for the reminder of Job who lost everything and still praised God. I don’t know if I would do that? Job never sinned, I don’t know if I would have the strength to not sin? What I know that trials are coming and I pray that God gives me the strength to survive them.
Have wonderful week!
I wouldn’t say he never sinned. I think Jesus is the only one who was sin free. However, he was righteous, and knew who made him.
Another great post today, Tania!
I took your survey the other day and afterwards remembered that I forgot to say “thank you”.
Thank you for faithfully sharing with us your faith and the devotions on Sunday, as well as all of the fashion advice. It is all very helpful and I look forward to reading whatever you have for us each day!
Kay, that is sweet of you to say! I appreacite it so much.
‘I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart’ each week when I read your Sunday post .. thanks! 😊
Thank you for the reminder of the Joy song! Joy does come from our Savior Jesus and what a contrast with happiness as you shared! Great message today, thank you!
Could you please share your read the Bible in a year program with me? I love your devotions.
I’ve been doing the Bible Recap. It is a podcast, but I get it on YouTube.
thanks, I needed this today, and read your post to see if there would be a message from the Lord for me. I am feeling good inside and feeling guilty about that, cuz Husband is in hospital. But joy is keeping me from stress and collapse! which none of us needs now. JOY!
Diane, I hope your husband gets to feeling better soon!
Oh my goodness. I am feeling this same way. My sister had to have emergency surgery and is still in the hospital, and I am feeling so overwhelmed with guilt as I sit here in my cozy warm home.
Thanks for the memory of that song of joy, I sang that so many times as a child.
Very good message.
Tania,
Thanks so much for this post on Joy. As a child I sang this very same song, “I have a joy, joy, joy down in my heart”. That tune has stayed with me all my life, but at times over my 81+ years I failed to remind myself of that joy. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace. How very blessed we are and you are one of those blessings.
Peace,
Leslie
Thank youTania! Beautiful connection between Joy and Hope.
I love your Sunday posts!
Just a perfect word thank you!
Karen Hammen
Ps I’m a bit tall so if you come across any fun pants that come in longs, I’m game.
Blessed Sunday Tania,
Love the old Hymns. I am in the Choir at Church and we sang some old wonderful songs today.
I am also in a Read the Bible in a year and am on Job. Wonder if we are in the same study?
My Joy is in my Lord Jesus Christ. Even in the valleys of life, he is with me Psalms 23.
Thank you again for posting on Sunday a small post on the love of God.
I’m doing the Bible Recap.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write & share this with us! What a great reminder of God’s truth! 🤍
Amen sister! Beautiful post. Wishing you a blessed week ahead.
I remember that song. And yes, it did make you happy just to sing it. Praise the Lord. Love your emails.
.
are you doing the Bible recap plan that is what we are doing
Yes, I’m doing that.
Our whole church is doing Victory Baptist church ⛪️ Pastor CT Townsend is the best
love today’s post – in joy there is hope and gratitude. I’m so grateful to the Lord even when life is hard, those “thorns” in life help to bring us closer to rely on Or Father, to lean on Him and keep that joy in our hearts. praise be to God.
What a wonderful post.
Your words this week are exactly what I needed to hear! I’m dealing with some people in my life who are the most negative people I know & the most unhappy, joyless, & ungrateful to boot!
Roxanne, sometimes we need to kick someone off our bus. Everyone doesn’t get to ride with us.
The JOY of the Lord is my strength. Praise HIS Holy Name!!!
Thanks for this explanation of joy. I always thought that happiness was up to each individual. The fact that joy is an attitude that comes from deep inside our hearts puts things in an entirely different perspective.
The peace of the Lord be with you!
I also remember that hymn from Sunday School. We can sing it every day as a reminder.
Job was able to finish find joy because he remained in gratitude. Gratitude is the key to finding joy at all times.
With JOY there is always HOPE ♥️
AMEN
Thank you, Tania!
What an important message Tania. Thanks for sharing.
Loved this devotion May I share it with my Ladies group at Church
Reminds me of the song, This Little Light of Mine,,,I’m gonna let it shine! Thank you for the reminder of joy. My husband is in the late stages of hospice and it’s hard to find joy. I remind myself he will soon be in the presence of our Lord and Savior and this brings me joy.
Beverly, I’m so sorry! Seeing someone we love go through that is hard, even with the Lord by your side. 🙏
praying for you 🙏
Thank you for another beautiful Sunday post! Finding joy isn’t always easy, but if we trust God with all our hearts, we will always find it! Happy Sunday🙏🙏🙏
How very timely! For years I have chosen a word of the year rather than a New Year’s resolution. A friend and I both do this and encourage each other throughout the year. I buy us matching bracelets with our words on them. This year my word is JOY! I just read in my morning devotional a very similar thought to what you just posted! Isn’t God great?!
I love the idea of the bracelets! That is a wonderful thing to do.
Ha! I sang the same song when I was little in bible school! Yes, my word for the year is joy, I am seeking joy everyday through Him.
Excellent message today!! We all need to strive to be joyful!
Thank you for reminding me of “The Joy” song. Reminds me of my youth and how much I loved to sing that song with glee. So glad you brought it back to me!
Good explanation of joy and happiness. I remember singing the song in Sunday school too.😊
Today I was reminded of God’s goodness and that I should always choose joy!
I was the winner of this past week’s Amazon gift card! It came as a simple reminder of the goodness of God and that he can use each one of us to be a blessing to others. Thanks again Tania!
Congratulations, Kelly. God is good and always faithful. 🙏🏻
Great message, Tania. I used to sing that song to my grandchildren when they were younger. They loved it!
I too used to sing that song in Sunday school. Thank you for these good words today. I needed them!
I too sang that song, “I have the joy, joy, joy down in my heart” and am also doing a series of “reading the Bible through in a year”. Job is a tough chapter but teaches us perseverance to TRUST in the Lord despite the circumstances. Since, I retired, I have more time and I look forward each morning to reading your posts and love seeing the different outfits you put together and wear so well .
There is great wisdom in today’s post Tania. I keep a basket of rocks with different inspirational sayings on a hallway table and the one that says JOY is front and center.
The Sunday school song was also a favorite of mine.
Reading your post before I get ready for church. I’m getting ready for church now. Going to wear the pretty yellow cardigan I saw on your blog. Keep the blog going. I also love the song
Great learning takes place in the book of Job. And I totally agree and accept the differences between happiness and joy that you describe. Happy Sunday!
Amen. The world tells us our “circumstances” are what is important. The truth is, joy comes from where we place our trust. Joy only comes from Jesus Christ.
I did the survey but don’t remember if there was a place for this but wanted to say I really like the Amazon storefront buttons in the email and enjoy broken out b category and updated. It is a great function nice and easy to follow. Thanks !!
Now you have me singing that song! It is stuck in my head! Love the joy!
I love this Tania❤️
Tania, this is my favorite post that you’ve ever sent. Just reading the lyrics to my favorite childhood Sunday School song filled me with joy! Thank you for sending sunshine on this cold winter morning!
I am sitting on my cruise patio reading this and looking at the beautiful blue sea water. My heart is filled with gratitude for this opportunity. I will save this post for the days when the sun doesn’t shine and my heart is heavy because joy is always there!
Hi Tania!
I remember singing that song as a child too. The world needs more Joy now more than ever. Thank you for sharing the Word and reminding us.
Have a blessed day!
I choose joy!! Such a good lesson Tania!
Thank you for this. I now have that song in my head and it’s a good thing. ☺️ I read through this Sundays blog for a few reasons and it as a message I needed to hear. Funny how that happens. Have a beautiful week!
Thank you for this reminder to choose joy! I am still struggling with my grief and everything else that goes along with losing my husband as i mentioned here before but i remind myself that things could always be worse. So i will find joy in my day today and be thankful for Jesus’ saving grace. Bless you!
Cathy, give yourself grace. Your husband is worthy of being mourned, and it takes time to process your grief. Give yourself some grace, this will take time.
Thanking God for waking this morning.. My first blessing of the day..
I to loved that song and still do today! I choose Joy! You have a blessed day also 🕊️
Thank you! Exactly why I stay subscribed to you and what I needed to hear today!
Joy, joy, joy!!!
I remember that song from when I was a child! Great message today, a lot can be learned from Job.
This is for me today! I have been so sick that I spiraled down and loss my joy. I keep thinking of Job and asking why. Today I am going to be more positive and more joyful. Tania you are right it comes down to trusting God. Thank you so much for letting God use you to help others. I remember singing that song when I was young. I remember other verses like I got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart….
I hope you get to feeling better soon. When you’re sick, it is hard to be positive about anything. But, the Lord is the Great Physician, and He knows you and cares for you.
Love this Tania!
Love your post today Tania. What a great reminder. I also am wanting to read the entire bible. What guide are you using to read it?
I’ve been using the Bible Recap. It is on YouTube.
There’s a bible app that’s free. It has great daily readings and a few bible in a year plans. It’s pretty cool. I’m using it now to read through the whole bible. It has plans that have video or read to you as well. Highly recommend!
I am reading that Bible plan too! Job is a difficult read, but so worth it. He did know that joy—true joy comes only from the Lord.
Thank you for your posts.
Wow. You did it again! Always what I need when I need it. And the song you started out with put joy in my heart as it reminded me of Sunday school with my beloved grandmother. When I would visit her I would attend with her and that is one of the songs we sang. I also remember singing it as loudly as I could. Thank you for warming my heart on this snow bound Sunday in Michigan
My grandmother always sang at the top of her lungs, and it is one of my favorite memories.
I love the Sunday School song you listed. it’s one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing!
It makes me smile to think about that song. I guess it brings me joy!
I’m excited to see that you’re reading the Bible Recap as I am. I’ve learned a lot from Job and can’t wait for today’s reading. God speaks in the scripture today!
Love today’s post! I feel the same…not sure I would handle losing all Job lost very well, but I thank God for all He has allowed me to have!
Thank you for this beautiful post! It’s either a reminder we all need, or for some, a new revelation that is needed to open our eyes to what real happiness is:JOY!
I’ve found true joy comes from contentment in life (no matter what the circumstances), and my foundation in Jesus Christ!
I’m new to your blog, and am thoroughly enjoying what you are doing and bringing to us ladies who are 50+.
Thank you! 😘
Welcome, Rachel! I’m glad you are enjoying the blog.
Great lesson today! Choose Joy and trust in the Lord!
What a great devotional. If I remember right , one of the verses is; I have the wonderful joy of my blessed redeemer down deep in the depths of my heart, where?, down deep in the depths of my heart. That is the key, Jesus can’t be kept in our hearts just superficially. When things get really tough you have to dig deep. I know.
I wish I could say my response is always joy. I’m working on it. Baby steps.
Baby steps for me, too. Thank you for reminding us
I never thought about the difference between happiness and joy! Thank you for sharing this, I will try to have joy no matter what!!!
As long as there is life that is hope!
Thank you again for inspiring me and reminding me the importance of trusting in the Lord. Perfect way to start my Sunday and week. You are a one stop shop heavenly wisdom, fashion and beauty advice. Have a Great week and again Thank you!
Lol! I don’t think I’ve ever been called that before.
Thank you!
I listened to Bible in a Year podcasts once a day (approximately 30 minutes each) in 2022 by Father Mike Schmitz from the Duluth MN Catholic diocese. Highly recommend if anyone looking to learn more about the Bible. He made the experience fun in easy to understand terms.
He is wonderful. highly recommend.
Are you doing The Bible Recap? I am doing that one and we are in Job. tough book to read and understand. My younger stepson had a lot a mental issues as a teen and I always told him that you have to find joy! I love your message today.
Yes, I’m doing the Bible Recap. Finding joy can be a struggle when things are not going the way you would like them to be.
So nice to know that I am not alone in reading the Bible Recap! It’s wonderful being in the family of God. Keep on keeping on for God!
I really enjoyed this message.
Thank you for sharing.
Your post on Joy is heartfelt. Singing or thinking of that song brings an inner peace and full smile.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who loved that song.
The joy of the Lord is ours. What a special blessing, thanks for the post
Thank you for this reminder! May we all find joy and praise God in all circumstances. He is faithful to never leave us regardless of the circumstances.