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For this series, we’re doing something really fun with our devotionals. As we welcome back some of our favorite pastors and teachers from years past on Sunday mornings, we’re going to “welcome back” devotionals from the past few years! We hope you enjoy these posts that garnered quite the heartfelt response when they first found their way into your inbox and on the Willow app.

We’ve been talking a lot about joy this week and how joy and happiness are often used interchangeably. But we know that there is a big difference between them. Happiness is an in-the-moment emotion that is wonderful but is also temporary–when you take a bite of your favorite cake or you get the closest parking spot to the grocery store entrance, or you realize all of your Christmas lights still work from last year!  

Joy, however, is enduring and is a state of being. Even though life can be very hard, filled with frustration and challenges, it does not have to rob you of your joy. Joy comes from within, and the greatest joy of all comes from those who have hope.

I’ll never forget accompanying my mom to one of her chemotherapy appointments in the hospital, where she needed to sit for hours to receive her treatment. We were obviously not feeling happy to be there, but I watched her engage kindly with the nurses, the other patients and with me. My mom was physically in pain and emotionally exhausted, and yet she had inner joy and unique strength that set her apart from others in the same situation. My mom knows Jesus and has the promise of heaven, and it was obvious she was leaning on more than just her in-the-moment emotions in such a difficult time.  

Our Scripture for today reminds us that God is our strength, and when we trust Him, joy abounds. I saw this in my mom as she walked through this truly difficult time. 

No matter what your circumstances are this season, be encouraged that God is with you!  Ask Him to help you find the joy that comes from His strength so you can face today. Be thankful to God for what He has done, ask Him to remain at the center of your life, and you can be sure that His joy and strength will follow.

Next Steps

You will see the word “JOY” constantly this month–written on a sweatshirt, engraved on an ornament, on the side of a delivery truck: when you see the simple word, remember that it is something big and impactful–it’s more than happiness. Pray that you can show others where your joy comes from. 

Who is the most joyful person you know? Send them a note to remind them how much God loves them. Share with them that you notice their joy, and that it gives people hope.