Daily Devotional

When I’m feeling miserable, I choose joy. When I’m in despair, I choose joy. When my life is filled with trials and tribulations, I choose joy.

We all have stuff. Whether it’s something as major as losing a loved-one, or as minor as not getting accepted into a college, we all have stuff.

The last few years God has been teaching me that during the ‘stuff of life’ it’s possible to choose joy. As a Christian I can experience joy through faith in God because joy is found in who God is. It is not based on circumstances or emotions. When I think about all God has given me, all God has accomplished through me, and the people God has brought into my life, I feel joy.

The Bible teaches that the ultimate source of joy is Jesus. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14).  We walk through the ‘stuff of life’ with our eyes on Jesus. Our current circumstances may cause us to feel misery and despair, yet we can choose joy which is found in Jesus.

One thing we do a lot in our family is reminisce. We tell “Remember when…” stories. A few days ago, our youngest boy, Alan, celebrated his 18th birthday. Jenn and I spent time reminiscing about the day he was born; “Remember when your labor started? Remember when we arrived at the hospital? Remember when he was born? Remember when he was placed in your arms for the first time?” Welcoming a newborn into this world is one of the greatest joys in life.

But one of the toughest things in life is saying good-bye to a loved one. And just because I know death is part of life; that doesn’t bring feelings of joy. But the hope of Christ does. Because the first question we should ask when someone has lost a loved one is, “Did he/she know Jesus personally?” If the answer is ‘yes’, then there’s hope which brings joy. Because if we know Christ personally, we will get to see that Christian loved one again when go to heaven to be with Jesus.

I’ve done countless funerals over my 29 years of pastoral ministry. I’ve served families as they prepare to say good-bye to a loved one. And I’ve served families during the bereavement process following the death of a loved one. One of things I’ve encouraged grieving families to do is reminisce. Tell stories about your loved one. Let yourself weep during the sad stories and laugh during the funny stories. Some families are surprised when I encourage them to ‘laugh’ asking, “How can we laugh when we are mourning so deeply?” And I say, “Because laughter is part of the mourning process, and people are funny.” My grandpa used to tell dumb jokes to me and my cousins when we were growing up. At the time we didn’t think they were that funny. But when grandpa went home to be with Jesus, my cousins and I reminisced telling all of grandpa’s dumb jokes, and we laughed our heads off!

When Jenn’s mom, Leslie, died of breast cancer at age 54, we were devastated. Even though she was a Christian, it was still a very hard time for us. During the eulogies in her funeral service, during the food and fellowship time immediately following the service, and throughout the months and years that have passed since, we reminisce about Leslie. For example, Leslie had a business called “Our Mom’s Place”. She was a master seamstress, and she created all kinds of wreaths, baskets, and decorations for every season. People would come to her store and want to buy one of the baskets she made. She’d tell them the price and they’d say, “I don’t have enough money.” And Leslie would say, “Just give me what you can afford.” And she wasn’t in business very long. She was very generous.

I encourage mourning families that their loved one can live on in this world even though they are no longer here. And they ask me, “How is that possible?” I say, “Identify meaningful things they did and continue to do them.” Jenn and I tell stories about Leslie’s generosity, and we try to emulate that generosity in all areas of life.  

I know some of you are going through some tough stuff right now and choosing joy seems impossible. I get it. You will feel miserable for a time. You will feel despair for a time. But don’t live there. Choose joy. Call a Christian friend who knows how to encourage you. Open God’s Word and read verses about joy. Go to church and worship with God’s people.  You might say, “But what if I break down and start crying in church?” I say, “So what? We are there for you, to come alongside you, encourage you, and pray for you.” We need each other.

The Bible tells us to look at the blessings in our lives and give glory to God. Romans 15:13 says “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Choose joy