Did you know that joy is more than a feeling? What if laughter is one of the ways God heals, strengthens, and restores us?
Recently, my husband and I have experienced some things that weren’t part of our life plan, so we have had to make the choice to call out the joy that is in our spirits and on purpose and with intention choose the joy and trust of our Loving Lord!
This week let’s lean into the beautiful truth that God never intended for His children to live weighed down by hopelessness, fear, or despair. His desire is for us to experience His joy deeply — in our spirit, soul, and body.
Even in difficult seasons, joy remains available. Not because life is perfect, but because God is Perfect and Faithful!
A Cheerful Heart Changes Everything
Proverbs 15:13-15 “A cheerful heart puts a smile on your face, but a broken heart leads to depression… Everything seems to go wrong when you feel weak and depressed. But when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness.”
These verses remind us that what happens in our hearts eventually shows up in our lives.
A joyful heart changes the way we think, speak, respond, and even carry ourselves. When we pursue God’s truth instead of feeding on fear, negativity, and lies, our perspective begins to shift.
Notice something powerful here: joy is presented as a choice.
That does not mean we ignore pain or pretend struggles do not exist. It means we refuse to let darkness have the final word. Through Christ, we can choose hope. We can choose praise. We can choose joy.
And when we do, God promises fullness and strength.
Psalm 27:6 – And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore, I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Joy Brings Healing
Proverbs 17:22 “A happy heart is good medicine, and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
God designed joy to heal. – Not only spiritually, but emotionally and physically also.
Science continues to confirm what Scripture has declared all along:
- Laughter is good for our health
- Laughter helps reduce stress
- Joy fights depression and sorrow
- Joy creates a healthier outlook on life
- Laughter lifts our mood and strengthens our minds
- Joy and laughter can positively impact the body by lowering stress-related symptoms and supporting overall wellness
God cares about your whole being. He wants you healed, strengthened, refreshed, and alive with hope.
Refuse to Let the Enemy Steal Your Future
Proverbs 31:25 TPT “Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days.”
There is something deeply powerful about someone who can still laugh with joy because they trust God with their future.
The enemy wants you to believe your best days are behind you. God says your future is filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 TPT “I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you… My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope.”
You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. And your story is not over.
God is already in your tomorrow.
Speak to Your Soul
Psalm 42:5 TPT “So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior.”
Psalm 42:5 AMP “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him…”
Sometimes we must remind our own soul where our hope comes from. Not from circumstances. Not from people. Not from emotions.
Our hope and our help comes from the Lord.
There will be moments when you must intentionally lift your eyes, worship anyway, laugh anyway, trust anyway, and believe again. God’s presence is still with you. And His joy is still your strength.
A Final Truth to Meditate On
Psalm 37:4 AMP
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.”
To delight in the Lord means:
- To be happy in Him
- To take deep joy in His presence
- To rejoice in His goodness
- To make merry over who He is
As we delight ourselves in God, something beautiful happens: He not only fulfills the desires of our hearts, but He shapes our hearts to desire what brings life, peace, and purpose.
This Week’s Encouragement
Choose joy. Choose hope. Choose to laugh again. Not because everything is easy, but because God is still good.
My prayer is that your heart be healed, your mind be refreshed and renewed, your body receive His healing power, that your home be filled with peace and the joy of the Lord strengthen you every single day.
Remember: You are Loved. You are Righteous and you are His.
Oh how I needed this today. Thank you Colleen for this word!
A beautiful reminder of His longing to fulfill us with His fullness. Really good Colleen. I’m praying for you and Dave to recover, fully! To the full 🩷
WOW. This is awesome!!!
Colleen/Dave!
Just the Now Message I needed for Today!
Thanking The Good Lord for YOU!
Our God is More Than Enough All The Time!
Go Bless Beyond with The JOY Of The Lord!
Happy Up!❤️🙏🤗
I must admit this is hard for me. Thank you for the reminder. No matter what, the joy of the Lord is my strength ❤️