When I’ve fallen into thinking joy is something I have to earn, or it’s something I’m responsible to create and maintain for others, I’ve found it a quick drop down to disappointment, disillusionment, despair, and deplorable alliteration.
But when I remember my joy is a person—Jesus—the burdens, lies, and sadness lose their hold, displaced by infinitely greater forces.
His faithfulness rescues me from thinking I’m alone, and shows he means it when he wants me to give him my worries and cares.
His hope frees me from the deceptions it’s holy to fake being okay, and that difficult circumstances are a judgment.
His love releases me from depending on fulfilled expectations to be happy, and empowers me to see his unwavering grace and goodness through every circumstance.
“Every road I travel with you leads to life, because your presence is the unceasing source of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
Equip Your Spirit 