Freedom Through Joy

As I arrived at work, the weight of the day seemed to get heavier and heavier with each encounter that I had. Pressing emails, the needs of patients and their families, and the challenges of hospital work seemed to pour over me with abandon.

You see, I made the mistake of starting my day by looking at my social media feed and had watched the morning news instead of sitting in my quiet time with God. This decision seemed to put a negative filter, much like on a camera lens, over my day because of the global wars, oppression, and political fighting. The usual way I begin the day is by focusing my heart and mind on the Creator, and I did not do that. 

One of the things that I strive to do is start each day by filling my thoughts with the goodness and love of the Creator. In my quiet time with God I center my thoughts in order to reflect on the joys that are in my life. Things like a loving family, faithful friends, and meaningful work. I then offer up in prayer the challenges I am facing, and it is the Creator who helps me sort out and put into perspective the things that are weighing me down.

Once I have offered up the hard things and have centered myself, I sit in quiet with God and reflect on the joy that dwells deep within me. The joy that comes from knowing that what is happening around me does not control the embedded joy in my inner spiritual life. This grounding is all because I have chosen to trust God’s presence in my life day in and day out.

There is freedom in realizing that my mood need not depend upon the circumstances around me because of the never-ending joy welling from within. As I separate myself from that which presses in from the outside, I can connect with joy at the heart level. It changes the lens with which I view the world. It brightens the darkness by letting the Light of Christ in.

The things of this world cannot touch the joy that dwells at the deepest parts of my soul. Even in the hardest of times, there is always joy. It is because God meets me in this private, deep place and brings me solace. The Creator is my constant companion, guiding and supporting me from deep within. 

Even as God supports and guides me, I have my part to play in all of this. It starts by choosing each day to embrace joy, and to notice how it is always present. Sometimes, when joy seems fleeting, it vitally important to take the time to be quiet and listen. To hear the message God is placing on my heart. 

Romans 15:13 (CEB) is a good reminder of how God is working in and through me as I carve out this time: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

As I sit and listen, I am able to offer my unhindered heart in prayer. Nothing verbose or arrogant, but a simple conversation with God the Creator. In our intimate time together I discover that God cares about even the smallest of things in my life, as well the hard things. 

Jesus, as shared in John 15:11, assures me, "I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete."

Because Christ lives in me, there is an opening in that allows me to notice the joy that is in my midst. God helps me recognize that joy is present even on the hardest of days. Joy is present when my heart is breaking and when it is rejoicing. Joy exists even when it seems like my life is crumbling in on me. 

Now that is freedom! Don’t get me wrong, God’s presence is not a force field around me that prevents hardship. But by trusting God to help me see the joys that always exist, it allows me to “overflow with hope!”

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

Where is the joy and hope in your life? If it seems hard to come by, try being intentional about connecting with God at a deeper level. Seek to clear away the distractions for 10-15 minutes a day. Find a space that is comfortable and away from distractions.

Then sit quietly and jot down what’s going through your mind. Not the To-Do list but the things that seem to take up space in your mind. Maybe it is the health issues of a family member. Or perhaps job or financial challenges. Perhaps relationship issues are weighing you down. Whatever it is, write it down.

Now, sit quietly again. Imagine God is sitting beside you. Share what you have written with God. Offer it up in prayer and then listen with your heart. God wants to journey with you through whatever you are going through. That’s where the joy comes in. You are not alone. The Creator joins you and offers you as sense of peace even amid chaos. Peace that is deep inside because that is where God dwells too.

James 1:2-3 we are reminded, "My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance."

With God alongside you, endurance through hardship is possible. That's because we are not facing life alone. I invite you to take time to notice where there is joy to be found in what you have written down, by looking through God's lens of joy. Offer up thanks for this joy, and for God’s presence with you. There is freedom when we invite God into our lives because we no longer carry our burdens alone.

The days when I take time to sit with the Creator before I engage social media, news, and the challenges of my life, these are the days that I can better handle whatever comes my way. Filling my mind and heart with God first thing makes all the difference. It can with you as well.

PRAYER

God of Hope, thank You for reminding me each day to come to You first. Settle my mind and heart by filling me with your peace and love so that joy can be found no matter what burdens the day may bring. As I put my trust in You, I recognize the freedom that is like no other. Help me each day to center on You, Lord. Amen.

ABOUT JENNY SEYLAR

A mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, and pastor, Jenny Seylar became a widow in September 2017, and though it rocked her world, she chooses not to be defined by it. Despite her husband's unexpected death, she seeks joy in daily life with the support of family and friends. Her three grown children, their partners, and four young granddaughters bring love and engagement to her life. When not serving as a hospital chaplain or writing, she enjoys outdoor activities like walking her dog, biking, kayaking, hiking, and camping. She values creating authentic relationships with people on their faith journeys, and in finding fulfillment in her roles as a writer and chaplain.

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