Take a step back. Breathe. Even if your circumstances are difficult, don’t let them steal from who you are. Focusing on the fear of failing to perform well enough for all the expectations on you is self–defeating and exhausting. It may seem foolish, even backwards, but your main focus needs to be . . . joy.
Our brains want to make lists for tasks, strategies for projects, and defenses against anyone who doesn’t like our lists and strategies. The last thing on our minds is looking for God’s joy. But it’s there. He’s there. Even if what you’re going through makes it hard to feel happy, joy is your state of freedom in Jesus—freedom to hear God’s voice, freedom to think, freedom to feel again.
Start by taking a moment for just you and him. Gratitude opens your heart to hear him speak life into you; even if some things are unresolved and difficult right now, focus on thanking him for the good things in your life. As you let the revelation of how much you’re blessed and loved fill your mind, he’ll renew it, replacing every worry with peace, every stressor with grace, and every fear with joy.
Now, stay there. Stay in his joy. I know that seems so much easier said than done, but the kingdom of God is “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17b). To me, that means I don’t have to work for it as much as I simply need to allow him to be all that in me, staying aware of his joyful, peaceful presence and loving, transforming voice. In a meeting, the grocery store, the gym, or at home, stay in his joy. Now, take a new step.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again—rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4).
Equip Your Spirit 