Do you have joy in your life? Life sure challenges it sometimes does it? We all know what it’s like when life doesn’t go as planned.

Yet, I keep encountering so many people who can say “The Joy of the Lord is my strength,” (Nehemiah 8:10) even in the midst of some of the darkest times.

I met an incredible woman recently who mentioned she has children. I jumped enthusiastically to my usual question, “How old are your kids?” She responded, “24, 22, 21 and 8 months.” I was exuberant. “What a beautiful family, you started over again!” She went on to say that her husband had divorced her a few years back. Recently they were going through counseling and trying to put their marriage back together. During just one single night of romance during that time of potential reconciliation, she got pregnant. Her ex-husband promptly decided getting back together wasn’t for him. I gushed with empathy, “I’m so sorry!” She said, “that’s okay, this baby girl has already brought us so much JOY.”

I was so touched by her faith, her joy in the midst of the most trying circumstances. I’ve thought of her so many times since that brief encounter.

But isn’t one of the best aspects of faith in Christ knowing that in “God’s presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11).

My prayer for you, that no matter how dark things may seem today, no matter how many disappointments you’ve been through, you will remember you’re not alone, that He loves you unconditionally, and you can be “glad in the joy of His presence.” (Psalm 21:6).

With love,