If joy is leaking out of your life faster than you can pour it in. If your job has become a challenge, if your friendships are falling apart, if your stress is going up and your peace is spinning down, I have good news. No, great news.
You can ask God for joy.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you. Psalm 86:4
We’re talking armloads, boatloads, truckloads of joy. It may not come gift wrapped or rolled in sugar, but that kind of joy doesn’t last very long.
What we really want and desperately need is joy that can’t be taken away.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,… Psalm 86:4
No question, God is more than able to “gladden the soul” (ESV) and fill a “servant’s heart with joy” (CJB). When you bring Him your request—“Make my heart glad!” (CEV)—the Lord’s response is swift and sure.
Yes.
So, is that it? Just ask and get “a happy life” (MSG)?
You know better. I do too.
One small word bridges the promise of what God will surely do with the step of obedience He asks us to do.
…for… Psalm 86:4
This is “why” (WYC) He is willing to do this, and the reason we can ask for joy: “because” (CEB) we have given our lives completely to Him.
…I put my trust in you. Psalm 86:4
In Hebrew nephesh nasah literally means “soul” and “lift up.” A living thing paired with a doing thing.
Imagine standing in your kitchen, at your desk, in your garden, slowly lifting your cupped hands toward heaven. To anyone watching, your hands look empty. But God knows they contain something precious and rare.
Your soul. Your self.
All the things that make you you,
offered to the One who is all things.
Along with our open hands, we open our hearts and mouths and make a confession of faith (perhaps aloud, if you’re in a place where you can).
- “I turn to You, Lord” (HCSB)
- “I offer my life to you” (CEB)
- “I set my hope on you” (ISV)
- “I worship only you” (TLB)
- “I put my life in your hands” (ERV)
When we mean what we say, our soul no longer belongs to us. It belongs to God. A change of ownership, passed from our hands to His hands.
You may be thinking, “Oh, Liz. Nothing really happens. Nothing I can see or taste or touch or see or hear. They’re only words.”
The whole of the Bible is made up of only words, yet look at all the lives those words have changed!
Faith is believing without seeing. Faith requires trust, not tangible proof.
When you lift up your soul to Him, when you let go, when you trust God, you will have joy. The joy of not worrying, not panicking, not fretting, not obsessing. The joy of knowing your Lord and Savior. The joy of resting in His plans for you.
This isn’t holiday joy He’s handing out—not a stocking stuffed with presents or a plate of your favorite cookies. This joy goes deeper and wider. This joy is a promise fulfilled. This joy declares, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
This joy? It’s His gift of love to you. Every season of the year.
Kindly post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. Can’t wait to read your words!
Your grateful sister, Liz
@LizCurtisHiggs
Three books you might consider for gift giving: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my new Parable Treasury for children.
Liz,
this was such a blessing to me in a hard time! It is good to remember that we can ask the Lord for joy, and that He gives generously. Thank you for your faithful ministry
As I was reading your words, I opened my hands and my heart and read out loud. Turned to prayer and let out what moved me that moment. And I want to encourage everyone to do so. Even if, or especially, when you feel you have bee astranged from the Lord, or failed Him. There was so much going on in my life, I often had thinking that would lead away. But no matter what my head tells, or my heart feels, I will always seek the Lord with all my might. For the heart and the mind both can be decieved, but the comfort in knowing our Lord will always hear me, even when I dont know what to say outweights all that. amen
Hi This message is an encouragement for me to share with my sister who is going through a hard time. Bless you for your word from the WORD!
Dear Liz,
Joy… who new. I’ve been holding on to the words of Psalm 23 since my husband suffered a stroke 12 weeks ago. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want… He restores my soul. Words that have soothed my heart and mind and given me comfort and strength.
As I read Psalm 84:4 last night I smiled as i realized that God is giving me joy as well throughout this struggle. God is good. God is healing my husband everyday. And He is healing me too.
The Lord is bringing me joy… and “sealing the leak.” I trust in the Lord with all my heart. Thank you Liz for this devotional and for opening up the scriptures to us all.
I love the statement that joy isn’t a stocking stuffer! Joy can be found in every season, all year long if only we seek Him first, always and for everything. The beauty of that joy is the wonderousness of the freedom from pain, anxiety and worry. What a glorious thought! What a glorious gift!
I was touched by the thought that my soul belongs to God!. That is my inner being..that is ME! That is trust. My SOUL..that makes the thought of giving my life to Him so much deeper,personal and sacred! Thank you for that thought. Karen
We have been studying Fighting for Joy in church this fall. Sometimes you have to fight for it. My sweet friends daughter was murdered last week, a young pregnant pastors wife. If it weren’t for the real joy that we have in Christ, we wouldn’t make it thru times like these. But a heavenly perspective allows us to have joy amidst the sorrow.
Joy is such a little word, only three letters. But what a huge response from our Lord Jesus! In a time when trust is so hard to come by, we know that our trust in Jesus is the one we can count on. Thank you for reminding us that through Trust in Him we can find JOY.
I have experienced this joy you talk about. Many times I have burst into a grin that goes ear to ear. Also the joy I feel looking out into my garden each morning, awed by all the details of such beauty made for me by a God who loves me.
This season we will fight for joy-so much pain and sorrow for people in my life right now. Knowing joy isn’t a feeling but that it comes straight from the Lord. Thank you for your words.
God is so precious in the way He “breaks in” to
teach me what He wants me to learn. Again, He
has confirmed that waiting on Him instead of
saying, “I’m going to do this, this and this”, is the
season He has me in. What will happen tomorrow?
I don’t know, I remain clueless. What He WANTS me
to do is wait … in anticipation … of what HE will do
and how He wants me to be. Waiting is not MY
default. I want to know what tomorrow holds! I want
to know what will happen next! And as desperate
as I am in my “wanting-ness” He is gracious in His
knowledge of my “need”. Thank you, Liz for
conveying the affirmation of my “waiting” on God’s
way instead of *my* way.
God reveals His love to me during this time of sorrow reassuring me that the JOY OF THE LORD is my strength and without that knowledge today my grief would be overwhelming and I would not know where to turn. Thank you for the studies you bring Liz.
I can ask for joy and God will provide. I work for a church going through a tough transition. Joy is a rare commodity right now. In all the upheaval, I forgot this important truth-The Lord gives to those who ask. Thanks so much Liz.
I just love the word picture of lifting cupped hands to God and saying those things! It was just so beautiful to me. “A confession of faith. A change of ownership. ” thank you.
Oh, how I needed these words and scriptures this morning! With all that’s going on around me to bring me down, these words lift me up.
Thank you for reminding me of this promise! I am going through an unwanted divorce and am devastated. In the last couple of months God has given me joy in unexpected places and through ladies of my church. I am learning to daily (sometimes moment by moment) ask God for HIS joy.
His joy remains! It doesn’t come and go. It stays with me: in me. Thank you, Lord!
Something God has taught me over the years, during blessings or struggle is that His joy is not dependent on how we feel. His joy is like an inner light, shining no matter what if we let it. That’s the key. We have to allow His joy to fill us no matter what we are feeling. Praise God! He loves us too much too leave us alone!!
From Donna in Birmingham.. Those words , Beth, ring right on
to the point . and Oh; how feelings can deceive the true facts,sometimes. Though I cannot change a human soul (and God ‘s Holy spirit,alone,can ), I can soak up His prescence and be willing to shine in the dark areas I find myself Isn’t it so that
without grace where would, even a transformed sinner be?
It is a diffcult thing to think of joy in the midst of everyday news. However, to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior rescues me from such and brings me to feel His love, mercy, and grace. Without grace where would, even a saved sinner be today?
Joy is what God shares with us every day.
To experience and receive the depth of love He extended to me when He died at Calvary, then resurrected from the grave gives us a wonderful future. We know we have an abundant life out into the future with Him and with those of our loved ones who have passed on.
God bless you and God bless America today!
I remember J.O.Y. ‘way back from Sunday School almost eighty years ago or more, engrained “in the very fiber of my being.” JESUS first, OTHERS next, and YOURSELF last. I am praying for God’s help to embody this today as an example to others. Blessings to you and your ministry!
Struggling to remember the difference between happiness and “soul joy” especially with the holidays coming up. Our family is scattered right now, and important life decisions are being made. Thanks for reminding me to ask! God is gracious and generous with His gift of Joy!
Thank you Liz for your descriptions of God’s love for each of us. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Liz you are a ray of sunshine on a dreary day! I feel like lately I have been receiving those truckloads of joy, even on the darkest days. And I know it’s because I am closer to Him than ever! Thank you for being that ray of sunshine cause I know you bring it directly from the SON!
This week in a Bible study, even though I’ve heard it many times before, I received immense almost palpable joy to learn the Holy Spirit is within me guiding my thoughts, speech and actions. I’ve wondered in the past where some of my thoughts come from because they were “out of my box”. The Holy Spirit, God himself, is trying to lead my day. JOY? Yes, So much JOY!!! Thank you Liz.
We are going through some very difficult situations right now and joy would seem out of our reach. But this one thing I know, and I thank you Liz for reminding me, our Joy comes from the Lord and all we need is to ask.
Liz, this was a Word that was right in time! I asked God last night for “unbridled joy,” and you reminded me where that joy comes from and how we receive it. Thank you for being the messenger with the message I needed today!
Liz, this was a Word that was right in time! I asked God last night for “unbridled joy,” and you reminded me where that joy comes from and how we receive it. Thank you for being the messenger with the message I needed today!
…For I put my trust in You.
Joy is a gift God brings to us, our ability to stand on The Rock, our firm foundation and the winds of daily life won’t shake us or make us tremble. We know that we know God is for us. When we understand His sovereignty we begin to put our total trust in Him. He is first priority, and our choices are filtered through His Will.
Happiness is an emotion, life may bring its storms and we may be grieved by them, but we can stand firm and know the peace that God brings and carry the joy of His Being with us. We are able to stand firm and see others who have been affected by those storms and because we are standing on The Rock we can put our emotions to the side and reach out to them, giving them the Words God directs us to share with them, Encouraging Exhorting instead of being afraid, (as the disciples were in the boat).
Just this week I had something occur that for a moment, I allowed to rob my joy…I thought my joy was in this thing, this event, and was quickly reminded that no, my joy, my hope comes from the Lord! I was reminded through worship music in an unexpected place at an unexpected time…who and how could that be except that the Lord knows the cries of our heart and saw that I needed bolstering up. And although I still do not like the circumstance of what I will need to go through, I see that my joy can still overflow because of Him!
Trust in the Lord does bring joy. I have put my trust in Him. In one of my relationships, trust has been damaged. I don’t see how it will be rebuilt. When this happened, I found how much my trust in God has sustained me and brought healing and joy. Joy when a relationship is rocky is weird. Yet joy comes from the Lord and my trust in Him will never waver.
“Ten-Thousands hearts a-leaping!” What a grand & glorious thought, Liz! Also that His strength is my strength”. Whatever The Father has is my and He wants to share it with me! His peace is my peace. His joy is mine! Thanks!
There is a peace that comes over me when I open my hands and lift my palms upward. I am opening my heart and soul to God who loves me unconditionally. Praise God from whom all blessings flow….. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for this uplifting message Liz. I’ve been so overwhelmed lately with things I can’t control. I need to be reminded even as a Christian that our Lord has this. Your message has been a real blessing to me today.
Liz, I nearly wept as I read this devo this morning! I had just finished (and when I say just, I mean within seconds!) praying for my joy to return and the joy of my salvation to be apparent in all I meet! and then this! Our God is so great and has such a sense of humor to keep us connected and on our toes! Praise God for His Grace and you for your words!
Praise the Lord that as we ask and believe, we can receive! This reminds me of the Scripture that talks about the disciples coming back saying…Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name..Jesus said…do notcrejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice THAT YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN. Luke 10:18-20
Even when it looks like there is nothing to rejoice over, there is!!!! The joy of our salvation is all we need to ponder on to fill us once again with joy
God reveals something to me every day! But this week in particular with all the upheaval due to terrorism and the refugee crisis He has spoken to me about being the Christian that Jesus would have me be. To think as Jesus thinks, to act as Jesus acts and to be as compassionate to those around me, whether near or far, whether they believe as I do or not as He expects me to be.
I did not finish, I was trying to say that I find my true joy from every day revelations. Not holiday, not Sunday, not worship. But in true service, sharing the Word, living the righteous life and dealing with the emotions that would rob me of my joy such as the upheaval happening all around the world. IT WILL NOT rob me!! Satan will not rob me!
I am learning as John 15:5 say, “apart from me you can do nothing.” That includes having joy and the fruit of the Spirit. This transcends circumstances and events. It is trust in, confidence in and obedience to the One who loves me completely and thinks I’m to die for. Not that I have achieved it all, but I’m on the journey.
Thank you so much for this great reminder. In the every day struggles of life, it’s so easy to forget that true joy comes from the Lord. I am filled with joy because I know that, regardless of what is happening around me, I can rest safely and joyously in the arms of the Lord!
Thank you for your encouraging words Liz! You have been an inspiration to the women in my Bible study group and I!
Such a great meditation prayer that I’ll breath today. Much needed. Thank you.
How simple and yet how forgotten….”ask the Lord for joy!” Thank you again and again Liz for bringing these important reminders to the surface of my every day! Blessed Wednesday to you and yours! And thank you for the opportunity to win! some of your fabulous books!
Dear Liz, these words were ment for me this morning. God’s joy is eternal. God’s joy is satisfying. And God’s joy is filling.
Thank you for your ministry.
This was truly a word in season. With all that goes on in this world and even our lives, it is too easy to loose our joy. We need a reminder from the word that peace comes from the Father and His peace is perfect. This truth is what brings about that perfect peace and we can put our trust in Jesus Christ.
This was such a wonderful reminder to me this morning that my joy really only comes from Jesus. I can rely on Him, I can trust Him.
To know the joy of resting in His plans for me. Oh, how I want this. I am asking God for this today! Thank you.
Just what I needed this morning. Caused me to realize– When we travel by plane, we put our trust and hope in a pilot that we do not even know- yet, we have a heavenly father who is so much greater and will cause us to rise above our circumstances and bring us to an even greater destination.
What a “joyride!” Thank you
For so long I have let the weight of life bog me down. It is so freeing to know
all I have to do is ask Him for joy unspeakable. Thank you, I really needed
to hear this today.
Love you,
Sandy
Some days Joy is hard. Thanks for the sweet reminder.
Hi Liz,
It is so amazing that I sometimes let world circumstances run me in circles. Yet, I can sit in the midst of a hectic situation and, in the blink of an eye, I silently pray for God’s joy…and I smile and feel His presence and my heart overflows. Thank you for the Godly reminder. Heartfelt thanks to my Lord and Savior. And thanks to you, Liz.
Thank you for sharing such a great truth! What a relief it is to let go of the things of this world and rest in the absolute JOY that comes from Him taking over our lives.
I realized while reading this how many people I need to share this truth with. So many (Christians and nonbelievers alike) miss out on this feeling. What a strong word of evangelism this unending joy could be for those who don’t yet know it!
I am thankful for your gift of writing. It is always full of encouragement and joy. Living in thankfulness will give you joy. When we continually thank Him even in difficult circumstances it changes your whole attitude. Thank you for reminding us what real joy is.
Thank you for this reminder…JOY!
My favorite word…an unmerited gift of God’s sweet grace!
How quickly I forget…I’m sorry, Father. Forgive me for questioning your sovereign goodness…
My hands are raised, my heart is surrender. My hands are open. Joy is mine?
Thank you for the reminder of God’s blessing of joy. Not worldly joy but God’s joy. And it truly is by faith. It reminds me of my favorite verse… “Now may the Lord of peace HIMSELF give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you! 2 Thessalonians 3. When I don’t feel peace on my own, I remember God’s peace is with me.
Blessings on your day!
My son was in the Stade de France Friday during the atttack on Paris. Although he was delivered safely out, I am finding myself slipping in and out of a pit of worry. Thank you for the reminder of asking for my joy back. I set my hope on the Lord and I put my life in His hands. May others come to find His peace from this tragedy.
Oh Liz! I feel like this was written for me! I’ve been struggling lately, honestly, for a while.. But I know the solution to the problem can only be given by God! Thank you for making a bright spot in my day and helping to assure me of what I already know!!
Thank you for your encouragement today! Our son went off to college this fall and he’s had a few classes that have been quite challenging. He feels stressed and overwhelmed a lot of the time. So of course, as his mom, I feel stressed too! Thank you for reminding us to lift up our lives and cares to Him. He will replace it with His joy and peace.
especially good today, ?
I know you have joy, I am “Song of Joy”
But always need to remember the surrender
Daily part. ?
This one REALLY spoke to me. I am in the middle of a VERY messy family situation. I have parents in the hospital, I have parents not speaking to me and it is all breaking my heart. My joy is gone, depleted, or at least very, very small. I have tried praying, but words fail and I must let the Spirit take over. Last night, I lifted up my hands and eyes and let Jesus hold me. What a timely study!
Joy seems elusive in hard timesand yet I know He gives us joy when we ask. I need to remember whose I am, not how I feel.
As I read this I am reminded of what I am struggling with is something only My God can handle. The lost of a job after 25+years is hard and then to look for another is even harder. But as I write in my prayer journal…”with open hands-my confession of faith, and know that this is all I need to receive the joy that can only come from the Lord in whom I trust because of my faith. I turn to You, Lord, I offer my life to You, I get my hope in You and I worship and put my life in Your Hands….in Jesus’ Name, I pray…thank you Liz for your words of encouragement that I can apply today…
I lost my sweet dog 6 weeks ago to cancer and have experienced so much grief. I needed this reminder of trusting God for joy.
While facing trials I learned that Joy comes from the Lord! Joy is the
comfort and peace that only God can give, as we abide & trust in Him.
It’s knowing that God will carry us through and that He will carry out
His will for our good. Through this, He gives us His strength. We can
have Joy knowing that God is in control. Placing each circumstance
in His arms releases us to experience true Joy!! No need to worry,
panick, or obsesse over things! God has this!! Oh what Joy!
Liz, asking God for Joy was a new thought for me! Why wait, let us raise up
our hands and ask God for Joy!! Praying that others will see His light & joy
in me!
Thank you for this writing on joy. I have been desperately praying for my son who lives and works in New York city. Since he lives so far away from me, I worry, especially since he HATES his position there. This article is what I needed.
Thank for the picture of hands lifted up and giving God our lives. I’ve never heard the words give ownership to God but those words are a perfect example of how we give to God and he gives back to us His joy. Thank you again Liz foryour words and examples on our relationship with God.
I love the idea of the cupped hands, presenting ourselves to God!! Thank you for sharing the true source of our joy!!
I love the reference of lifting our hands and they aren’t empty. I can picture the joy overflowing, running down my arms to my chest and into my heart. Thank you for the reminder of complete yielding to receive.
These days when it seems that evil is winning we need to especially seek God’s joy.
Faith requires trust not tangible proof. How many times I have wished that I could hear God’s voice. Those six words this morning made me realize I need to trust more, that I don’t need to hear an audible voice, but God speaks to me through His Word, devotionals like those from Liz, the words or a song, my Pastor and friends.
I so enjoy reading your weekly devotions. They are a testament of your faith and are inspiring to me in my faith journey! I especially loved the devotion this week with the suggestion of raising cupped hands to God offering our soul, our all to Him.
This is what I needed to hear and be reminded of today. Thank you, sweet Liz! God bless you!
Everything this week has been about joy! I’ve got a song from my childhood stuck in my head. I dont know if children’s church anywhere still uses it but it was always a favorite. I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart down in my heart down in my heart and if the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack sit on a tack sit on a tack OUCH!!! It’s not as beautifully written as David’s Psalms but it’s perfect. We have joy from God and the devil can’t steal it.
Liz, Once again your blog has blessed me! Life can cause us to take our focus off of that which God intends for us to experience. Thanks for the wonderful reminder that He is our steadfast JOY!
Thank you for the remindar – ask and you will receive.
I have been fighting a brain tumor that is cancerous. Through the surgury I asked God to keep me going and I felt such a warmth.
God Keeps His promises.
Blessing to you and Happy Thanksgiving.
Joy is not a warm fuzzy feeling, it is a choice and comes freely from Him when we trust completely in Him.
I love the Hebrew word lesson as well which shows “living thing paired with doing thing”… that I might live and do joy with my Heavenly Father!
THANK YOU bunches for that!! 🙂
Thank you thank you Liz! Just the words I needed to be reminded of.
Faith is so precious in our relationship to our Lord. Trust in Him through our faith and we too can witness His joy!
Liz, thanks so much for these words! We certainly need to hear Psalm 86:4 to warm our hearts.
Thank you. Your message came at the perfect time. My joy has been leaving me and I could not find the right prayers to get it back. The verse you shared this week is perfect and is renewing my strength and my hope. I do not feel comfortable sharing what I am going through, but prayers are always appreciated. I will lean on His word to see me through. Thank you for the oh-so-timely words of hope.
Dearest Liz
Thank you so much for this beautiful message today. Lately I have felt like joy was missing in my life. We have been going through some struggles. Struggles with finances and some serious health problems for me and my husband. I have been having a bad flare with fibromyalgia and my husband has stage 4 kidney failure. God reminded me that I am blessed to be able to go back to work, and we are blessed to have the ability to do dialysis at home. It’s pretty hard to feel sorry for myself, while counting my blessings!
Lisa
I love this because so often I think I have to fill my empty with a change in attitude, perspective or some other type of action I place on myself. I sometimes forget that I can be still and trust that God’s all over it. That the most strenuous thing I need to do to have joy is simply to trust. Thank you, Liz, for that deep breath.
So sweet,and honest. Is my response to your comment Anne.
How many times has He just wanted us to be still and simply
Trust that He is God …
“Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.”
Thank you for forgiving me from the sins of my youth
and my transgressions.
For I am broken.
Teach me your ways.
Direct me to where I should go.
For you are Holy.
I lay my wants and desires at your feet.
Order my steps.
Your word is a light unto my feet.
I entrust my spirit unto you… Amen
Dear Liz, I so needed to hear about JOY today! In my mind I know about the JOY that comes from knowing Jesus, but today I need His JOY in my heart. Thank you for bringing it alive for me on this day, in this hour and this minute! My heart is singing right now with His Joy! Blessings!
A cup overflowing with joy satisfies my thirsty soul as only the Water of Life is capable of pouring
Yesterday I was praying with a group of friends at church. We were all concentrating our prayers on a certain friend in our group. I asked God to fill her with Joy to allow her to comfort her mother and to help her sister heal from her brokenness. It was really a God Moment for me to find your lesson on asking for Joy here waiting for me! Thanks Liz…I’m now praying for all of those terroist to be filled with Joy!
Its’s a strange thing, that I can encourage a girlfriend to trust God during a dark time, but forget that very truth for myself. My husband is being oppressed and falsely accused in his work place. It is a huge strain on our family, but this reminder that it has no power to rob our gift of joy,lifts my head today. I’m deeply grateful to our Lord and Savior that I can trust Him to work all things out for good ‘for’ those who trust Him. Thanks!
The joy of the Lord is my strength. I could not make it through a day if I did not have the Lord in my life. I am not perfect or lead the perfect life BUT I do know where my JOY comes from. In that I hold tight with all my might. My life is a daily struggle but I try hard everyday to find JOY in something. Beings that is that I am alive or that I get to see my grandkids – I try and find the JOY.
The Lord is telling me to die to self about a certain situation. It is difficult but I know he will give me joy if I do it and trust Him to take care of me.
God has given me peace.
This week I am reminded that no matter what I have the power to choose joy in all circumstances.
Thank you for this Liz! I do know it is “more than words” when we confess to our Father and surrender our lives to Him completely! I’ve learned in this lesson to keep believing!
I loved this about JOY, because that’s just what I need today – a great big dose of it!
Bless you!
Thank you for this wonderful message. I see that I am leaning more on myself and it is no wonder JOY is leaking.
The joy of the Lord is my strength….strength to live each day with it’s challenges, strength to please Him with my life….strength to know He will take care of me and meet my needs.
Even in the hard times, when joy is the hardest to experience; just ask and He will provide. Thank you Liz for this reminder. the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Give our lives “completely” to Him. That’s really the key, isn’t it? I gladly give some of my life, even most of my life. But “all” of it? Completely? Now that’s a bit more than is comfortable for this control girl. Yet for His joy …?
“Help me, Lord, offer all to You, surrender all to You! Take all of me and give me Your forever joy. I so love you, Father!”
Thank you, Liz! Blessings, dear sister.
I have become so embittered about the Paris happenings and I just needed a reminder that God could, INDEED, give me joy. I am offering that bitterness up to Jesus and asking Him to fill me with joy instead. Thank you so much for today’s comment. I SO NEEDED IT!
I’m so thankful for taking the time, slowing down, to read, really read, this week’s bible study. God got a hold of me as I read the very first paragraph. Such a picture of my internal battles right now!
Thank you for following that first paragraph with words of truth to help me build a battle plan…asking the Lord for joy, releasing the things that are stressful, overwhelming and hopeless to Him. I KNOW all of these things, but somehow I FORGOT. Thank you for reminding me! 🙂
What a wonderful post! Thank you for this reminder! God has bee revealing to me that I am not my struggles.
Every morning before I sip my tea I make the sign of the cross on my forehead and say” Lord empty me, use me, heal me, forgive me and keep me and my family at peace with ourselves, each other and all those who cross our path today. fill us with joy Amen
Liz,
You are awesome. I have been in an enormous struggle of doubt in the past few months…just holding onto Christ with all my might. I appreciate every bit of encouragement God speaks to me through your words. Your joy in the Lord is uplifting.
JOY IS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM THE ALMIGHTY! JOY HELPS TO MAKE THE INNER TO OUTER OF YOU SHOW BECAUSE IT FLOWS FROM DEEP DOWN OF/FROM YOUR HEART. WHEN JOYFUL THOSE AROUND YOU GETS THE SPIRIT AND IT SPREADS FROM ONE TO ANOTHER. KNOWING THAT GOD IS LOVE AND WILL SUPPLY YOU WITH SOLUTIONS TO NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE ISSUES. JOY BRINGS TRUST IN THE AM AND PM. MY HEART POURS OUT “JESUS I TRUST YOU FOR CONTINUED FAVORS AND BLESSINGS!
The older I’ve gotten, the more I rely on God to make decisions, big and small. In seeking God like this, I find I have more joyous results without a lot of having to undo, regret, apologize, make over issues. Most recently, about ten months ago, I decided I wanted to move. Did I consult God for such a joyous outcome, NO? Needless to say, I ended up not moving. I knew immediately why I didn’t move, I had not consulted GOD about whether a move was beneficial to and for me. I keep such instances in mind because they remind me of how important God is in my life. I love Him, believe Him and trust Him with my life. The joy of the Lord, is my strength.
Your comment of “change of ownership” regarding me giving with an open hand my soul to God. I found that idea profound. I have given my heart and soul to my Lord Jesus, yet this wording on this post, really made me ponder.
I welcome new perspectives, and being challenged. I really am taking this to my heart and willing to check and see if I find places within that I may not have allowed my Lord Jesus to take ownership. A good sweeping into corners to release any old cob web mentality that has kept my God from myself.
Thank you.
lizzie you hit the nail in the head with this one. My job giving challenges, my friendships falling apart and my stress going up! I know that my joy comes from the Lord. So I put my trust totally in him. My life, heart, my mind and my soul. No matter what it looks like. I will still lift my voice in total adoration to him. I sing on the praise and worship team. So lifting my hands in surrender is apart of me every week it’s in those moments my joy rises above my wildest dreams and God extends his unchanging arms and lifts my spirits up! Thank you for the confirmation I needed today as tomorrow I will have my 1st speaking engagement infront of Lord knows how many people on fruits of the spirit! This just gave me the push over the top that I needed to go in there and trust God will feel me with his joy to share with others. I will definitely be singing my praises to God for just the opportunity he has given me!
My life hit a good-sized bump in the road about ten days ago. A big enough bump that it made my joy pop out and disappear, leaving me empty, sleepless, dragging, worried. God in His boundless mercy has begun working to ‘heal’ that bump and I’m so very thankful for your words about JOY. The enemy had stolen my joy but God has restored it. “I put my trust in you, Lord…”
After leaving my mother-in-law and mom to be near my kids I struggle with joy right now. I needed the reminder that all we need to do is ask and we will receive. Thank you for the reminder. God is good! I need to just enjoy where I am now and enjoy being with my kids and grandkids!
I have really been struggling with my job/boss. Feeling discouraged and not really happy with being a nurse anymore. I’ve been in nursing for over 27 years. Thought about changing jobs, but I’m not sure that is the answer. I keep praying that God will show me the path He wants me to follow. The devotional this week really spoke to my heart. I’m going to be praying that God give me back my joy both at work and in my daily life. Thank you for giving me the words I needed to hear!
Peggy,
I can relate to your feelings with your boss and with the burn-out that sometimes comes from relationships that are uncomfortable, especially at work. As nurses, we give so much to others. And, it is freely given with no strings attached but is part of who we are. We tend to want to fix things and when a relationship, especially a relationship with the boss is broken, we hurt and want to fix it.
I have gone through times when no matter what I did, I just couldn’t please this boss but I can tell you that God is in control and that He has a plan for your life. It your boss is expecting you to do things that are contrary to your beliefs, trust that God has something so much better for you in mind. I am living proof of that. I have just had to put my complete trust in Him and and take the plunge. He has never failed to bless me!
Nursing is very special and requires special people to do the job right. You are a special person, Peggy. Hang in there and allow God to open doors to you in His time. Pray until you have peace and then let go and let God do the rest.
Blessings,
Becca Crane MSN, RN
Back in September, my husband told me he wanted a divorce. It’s a long story, and a ton of heart ache has come about through this all. We’ve been going to counseling, and things have been looking up, but this has seemed to rob me of my joy. This reminds me that my joy can only come from God! Looking for joy in family, friends, children, and life is only temporary. I have to remember joy comes from only Him! Thank you for the reminder!
“When we mean what we say, our soul no longer belongs to us. It belongs to God. A change of ownership, passed from our hands to His hands.”
I love this quote . : a.so very true when we worship Him.
Thank you for this encouragement today.
When I feel my joy slipping, I keep repeating…..”I trust you, Lord”.
God is so good and has truly blessed my life in more ways than I could ever count.
What amazes me is that He continues to bless me when I fail him so
desperately.
I find my joy in Him!!
I am learning that despite my circumstances, I can remain joyful, joy filled, because of the assurance that God is always with me. Regardless of what’s going on in the world or in my little world, He will always be here to see me through. I may not be happy at what is going on, but there is still joy and peace in my heart and soul because I know He is faithful, and I am His. I rest, joyfully, in His love.
As a retired-from-paid-work volunteer, I serve with my husband in other countries as our skills are needed to help missionaries in our denomination. My profession was in finance and my husband’s was in IT, so our skills are useful in many situations. I’m also a “nest-y” sort who loves being in one place for a while, especially home. Sometimes it’s hard to “gear up” for the next assignment and I fuss and worry, even though God always fills us with joy and fulfillment in helping such a variety of wonderful people all over the world. That’s the best part – and God knows it – fellowshipping with all the nationals and expats in our path! Joy abundant in such a rich life guided by God!
Thank you for the reminder that God longs to give us joy and that joy comes when we give our all to Him. We become focused on what He wants and we begin to see Him working.
“When you lift up your soul to Him, when you let go, when you trust God, you will have joy. The joy of not worrying, not panicking, not fretting, not obsessing. The joy of knowing your Lord and Savior. The joy of resting in His plans for you.”
I have been striving to let go and trust while remaining joyful through this year of trials…at times I am able to do this; other times I have failed miserably. But, I know that through all of life’s difficulties God is faithful, and He understands my weakness and helps me up when I fall. Who am I that He is mindful of me? I am so grateful that He is! Jesus is proof!
When I was going through my divorce, I was extremely angry. I kept saying that once I’m divorced I’ll be happy….happy is such a fleeting feeling. I have come a long way since then and praise God for HIS joy 🙂 thank you for this blog 🙂
Sometimes I tend to forget to lift up my worry to God but once I do, my heart is released. It’s the end of the semester for my seminary studies and the work load is catching up with me. After a night of restless sleep, I realized that I had not turned it all over to Him. Sleep came soundly then. God is so good.
Hi Liz!
I really love the way you write, always direct to your heart.
I was asking God for a answer about a decision I had to make in 48 hrs, a decision I am not sure what was the correct answer, but today , without expecting anything , I received a miraculous call , that change my day.
A call full of the opportunities I have been waiting for after multiples attempts. God is Wonderfull !!!
I put my trust in him , and he answer me in his Time , not in my time.
I am very Joyful today.
God Bless You?. Your devotional on Time.
I am so en”joy”ing these messages and the images. Thank you Liz for bringing “joy” to my heart!
Thank you for the reminder that my joy is in the Lord. Look forward to receiving you devotionals.
The truth that the joy that the Lord supplies, is my strength seems crystal clear today…even though I’ve “known” this concept for years. To yield completely to Him…the only requirement.
Thanks so much, Liz for reminding us, teaching us, guiding us and encouraging us!
I have bipolar and sometimes I trust in my doctor, my meds, my therapist. I search for joy in the next article on bipolar health on Facebook but you reminded me that joy, peace, love, contentment and healing come ultimately from the Lord. I do need meds I’ve been off enough times to know that my meds are a gift from God but I need to remember and I just did it, is to lift my hands and speak out loud to the Lord my God for joy. It was powerful and my heart is overwhelmed with Jesus.
Well, this was an eye opener of a message. In 57 years I had not figured out that joy is a GIFT we can ask for because I look to Him in all things. It is not a reward for doing all the things I do. I love this! Thank you. And I M praying for joy.
Thank you for reminding us of the true source of joy. Liz, some ladies at our church are enjoying reading your book The Women of Christmas. We meet once a week to discuss a chapter. Your blog comments are helpful.
I am in a season where I have been letting my circumstances have more power than they should and letting my emotional responses take over. Thank you for reminding me of the source of my true joy.
Liz:
When I went through a particularly difficult time in my life, my prayer was “Restore to me the joy of my salvation”. Yes, I did need joy in my life for I felt very empty and alone. I even felt like hiding from my Lord. I was quite honest with Him. I let Him know that I KNEW there was no way to hide from Him, I just needed time to bleed a bit before I could ask for healing. Then the prayer for the joy of my salvation kept flowing from my broken heart. Eventually, I heard that still small voice saying to me “Before joy comes hope”. I immediately started a scripture search for hope and my eyes began to light up as I understood the hope we all have in Christ. And guess what, suddenly I was restored the joy of my salvation because I have the hope and promise of being with Him in Heaven!
Praise the Lord, Oh my soul and all that is within me, praise His Holy name!
This lesson has been so helpful because I’m struggling with finding joy. I have severe depression and anxiety, I’ve been so focused on not panicking that I’m forgetting the joy my Savior has for me. I’m trying to find that joy again, I set it down somewhere…
I have struggled with letting all that weighs me down and lifting to all up to God because part of me is still trying to “fix myself”. Last week and this week’s study is helping me ease up in what I’m holding on to. I need more of God’s joy.
Thank you Liz for your wonderful lessons and writings, it helps bring light into a shadowed soul.
I have just found your blog, and love it –
todays message was right on target – I have let my husbands actions steal my joy – this week I was reminded that his actions and words, do not define who I am, are whose I am – I was looking to my husband for affirmation , which of course we all know people can disappoint but God never does.
thank you for the reminder that I can still have joy which comes from within not from our circumstances.
I agree with faith is a choice. Just like love, we can’t feel that we are faithful we just must believe and trust God to bring about the joy. Joy comes when we acknowledge that God is in control.
This week I have gone back and forth between peace and fear and have not even thought of joy. I have been thinking a lot of Psalm 56:3 but not of joy. And I should have been. Thanks for pointing me and my heart back in the right direction-His!
I was just talking with a friend this week about joy. I am so thankful that the Lord promises joy to his children. Thank you for reminding me that I can have JOY everlasting!
thanks Liz FOR REMINDING ME HOW POWERFUL SPEAKING OUT OUD GOD’S PROMISES ARE AND HOW OPENING ONES HANDS OUT WIDE TO RECEIVE IS ALSO HELPFUL.
Your post really spoke to me today. My family is going through a tough time. Thank you for the reminder to turn my worry over to Him and seek the joy that only He can bring.
I don’t want my joy leaking out. I lift my hands and my heart to my Saviour who loved me and gave Himself for me. Thank you much for sharing the joy!
Lizzie, how could I not have known this? Sometimes I feel like you’re looking in my windows! I’ve been thinking about Joy a lot lately. I have a happy life but I can’t seem to grasp Joy. Now I know why….I haven’t asked. How simple and how easy to overlook. This will be part of my prayers starting today. Thanks you for being you. Love you bunches!
Thank you for these encouraging words! I have been allowing my circumstances to rob me of my joy; and I am miserable! Today I lifted my open hands toward heaven and surrendered myself and my life back to my Heavenly Father. And, I have asked Him to restore joy to my soul! Thank you, Liz!
Oh dearest Liz, this girl ain’t gonna lie, Joy has escaped me as of late. I have been walking a rocky road for the past 5 years, a road of surging emotions and grief along the way. But alas, as of late, I have been asking the Lord to restore the JOY of His salvation, and the let the JOY of the Lord be my strength! Honestly, when the storm of life hits, we can not derive our strength from anything in this world, God gives and takes away, but we can still find His joy even when life is hard. Thanks for the reminder for this weary momma and wife to my sweet hubs who has Alzheimer’s way to early in life.
Joy can be our gift in all seasons. When we allow the world to steal our joy, we can turn to the Lord in faith and ask Him to restore us.
Your wise words revealed some reasons for the lack of joy I feel…trying to hang on to things that I need to let go. It is total surrender and faith in the Lord! When I am empty…God’s joy will fill my heart everyday…moment by moment!!!!?
I needed your words on joy this morning. We are going to have to put down our 5 year old fur baby in a few days, after the mandatory quarantine period after a bite, and my heart is hurting. Today, I am reminded that my joy doesn’t depend on my circumstances. Thank you for the reminder.
I have a child with special needs and it can be so difficult to feel joyful when he is having a bad day, but then he will say something in his child-like way (even though he is 13) and I know it is the Spirit speaking through him. Then my heart is filled with joy because I can see God through this child, who is a gift from Him who loves my son far more than I ever could.
I struggle with joy. I so quickly forget that it is available in never-ending quantities at all times. Thank you for this blessed and timely reminder.
Dear Miss Liz,
These past few months have been stressful and my joy has been challenged. We are moving right after Christmas 14 hours away. I feel like guilt is coming from every side. People seem to be upset that we are leaving and it manifests itself in guilt trips. I’m a worst case scenario person most of the time so this is hard to know what to do with.
Thank you for your words. This talk on joy and the one a few days ago about the boy on the plane have encouraged me. Every day I am working on keeping my joy. Because being overwhelmed is no excuse to have a grumpy soul.
Sincerely,
Nicolette
Faith is believing without seeing
Faith requires trust, not tangible proof…
Having child like trust again in every promise He has made to me – I will choose to believe again!
It’s all there for the asking : )
So, I choose joy today!
Liz,
This was a great post. It just reaffirms to me what’s been happening in my life the last couple of years.
A couple of years ago God brought to my attention the same bible verse, 3 times in one day. It was 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18. Then in my devotions or in reading someone’s blog another bible verse with the word rejoice would be emphasized. It happened over and over. It still ongoing and now bible verses with the word joy have also been brought to my attention. God wants us to rejoice in him and the blessings that he gives us. He wants us to have joy in our hearts. This isn’t always easy, but even in hard times there are blessings to be found.
Thanks for your post.
The Lord’s word spoke 1 Thess. 5: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. Because of my faith I have joy in each new day. When I pray to the Lord I receive peace. I feel such contentment in my soul. I am so thankful for my salvation He has given me and the promise for eternity. Blessings to you Liz for your God given talent as you share with those who read your books, join your Bible studies, and follow your blog. Thank you Liz from the bottom of my heart. Lynnette
Thank you so much for this study and the reminder that only the Lord can give us true Joy as we trust in Him. Life can bring many hurts, dissapointments, uncertainties, but our God as we trust in Him infuses our life with His Joy. He is our anchor, our peace, our everlasting Joy.
I may be losing my job in the next six months and I have been struggling with anger and hurt feelings because of it. I have been telling myself that God will work everything out and that it is all in His hands. I literally just prayed for a website to help me. I just read your post and couldn’t believe it! God is so good!
Thank you so much for helping me to remember that all I have to do is ask for joy.
HI LIZ…NOPE NOT A GIRL…BUT LOVE YOUR MESSAGE…AND HOW YOU JUST JUMP RIGHT IN YOUR MESSAGE/S…AND TOO ALWAYS READING GOD’S MESSAGE/S ONF.B. REALLY MORE THAN I READ HIS BOOK…YELP…LET THE GUILT TOUCH MY HEART…NEVER BEEN MUCH OF A CURCH GOER…BUT ME AND WIFE DO…OR BIBLE READER…BUT I DO…JUST NOT ENOUGH…OR STUDY IT LIKE YOU AND MRS. WEAVER AND OTHERS…THAT EXPRESS HIS WORD MORE TO MY UNDERSTANDING…I DO BELIEVE 100+ % IN JESUS AND GOD’S WORD…AND TRY TO SHARE WHEN I CAN…HOWEVER…NOT LIKE YOU OR OTHERS…I DO HAVE FAITH…IN JESUS AND HIS TRUE WORD…BUT I SUPPOSE I DONT HOLD MY HANDS UP ENOUGH….ANYWAY….THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA…
I really enjoyed this posting!
Peace, joy, love, none of these things can be purchased. I am on a journey to find eat and take in as much of these 3 things as possible. I have learned where to go, there is only one place to get all this wrapped up in one… and that is to sit at Jesus feet just as Mary did and don’t be content to know of Him or about Him but to know Him to really know Him.When you taste and see that He IS GOOD,you will keep coming back for more!
I am living alone now since my husband passed 2 years ago. Yes, alone
but not lonely, Jesus promises in His word to be husband to the widow and He never never fails us,
Your teaching on JOY was so timing as we approach Christmas and a New Year. I THANK you!!