Finding Joy in the Present Moment

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

-Nehemiah 8:10

Joy can feel like a rare commodity, especially during challenging times. With the hustle and bustle of life—and the added weight of the holiday season—it’s easy to feel like joy is something reserved for a better moment, a more perfect version of life. But here’s the truth: joy isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you discover, right here and now.

I used to think joy was tied to circumstances. A good day meant joy; a hard day meant it was out of reach. But over time, I’ve learned that joy isn’t dependent on what’s happening around me—it’s rooted in the presence of God within me.

Joy Is Strength
Think about that: The joy of the Lord is your strength. Not your to-do list, not your achievements, not even your carefully curated plans. Joy, the kind that comes from knowing you are deeply loved and held by God, is what strengthens you to face each day.

But let’s be real—choosing joy doesn’t always feel natural. When life gets overwhelming, joy can feel like a luxury, like something we’ll get to later, once things settle down. But what if joy is exactly what we need to make it through?

The Practice of Joy
Joy isn’t just an emotion; it’s a practice. It’s noticing the small, sacred moments woven into the chaos: the warmth of a cup of coffee, the sound of laughter, the beauty of sunlight filtering through the window. It’s not about denying life’s challenges but choosing to see God’s goodness in the midst of them.

I remember a time when joy felt impossible. I was deep in recovery, navigating a path I wasn’t sure I could walk. There were days when the weight of it all felt crushing. But in those moments, I started to notice little sparks of joy—a kind word from a stranger, the resilience in my son’s eyes, the way the sunrise painted the sky with hope. Those moments didn’t erase my struggles, but they gave me strength to keep going.

Ask Yourself:

• What small moments of joy can I notice today?
• How can I let God’s joy be my strength, even when life feels heavy?

How to Cultivate Joy in the Present

1. Celebrate the Ordinary: Take a moment to appreciate the simple things—a favorite song, a quiet walk, or even a silly meme that makes you laugh.
2. Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you’re thankful for today. Gratitude and joy are best friends.
3. Invite God In: Ask God to show you His joy in unexpected places. You might be surprised where it shows up.

An Invitation
Joy isn’t about having a perfect life; it’s about recognizing the perfect love of God in the life you already have. It’s about trusting that even in the mess, there’s beauty. Even in the uncertainty, there’s hope.

Today, let’s find joy—not in what’s next, but in what’s now. Let’s let the joy of the Lord be our strength, carrying us through the challenges and lifting our hearts toward His light.

And remember: Joy isn’t something you earn. It’s a gift. So, unwrap it, celebrate it, and let it fill your day with strength and peace.