Renewing your joy

Since moving to a new state 3 ½ years ago we’ve gotten new jobs, a new church, rented a house for 18 months, purchased a new house, had our first child and expecting our second child. Life is very hectic. I’ve been given no more hours in my day but have received more physical responsibilities. Something had to give and frequently it was my quiet time. Looking back I can see my joy began eroding at that time but as a new mom, fatigue was my constant companion and I didn’t notice the joy slowly fading until an old friend (from out of state) asked me if I was depressed. After a recent visit and some phone conversations she recognized I was not the joyful person she knew me to be. I took this under consideration as I really respect this friend. In my search, I discovered I am not clinically depressed but I had allowed circumstances and outside influences to impact me negatively. If you allow negativity in all the time and don’t guard your heart that negativity will impact your thoughts and reactions in life. I am careful though not to blame those factors but my lack of boundaries and proper guarding of my heart. Here are some key points I feel God has taught me in my search for renewed joy:

1. Spend time with God.
I know you hear it all the time but it really works. I know I feel a difference in how I react to situations if I have spent time with the Lord that day. I have more patience and respect of those around me. I have more JOY! God is our life source. If we have problems, He is the one who truly listens to us. Ps. 18:6 says “In my distress I call to You, Lord; I cry to my God for help. From Your temple You hear my voice; my cry comes before You, into Your ears.” I know other things push into our time but they can rob us of our joy. God is the one who gives us true joy. Isaiah 61:10a says “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God.” When we spend time in His presence, we can’t help but recognize the greatness of our God and rejoice in the Lord.

2. Look around you for negative influences.
Some things that might be impacting us can’t or shouldn’t be removed from our lives but we do need to learn to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Some things (like areas of sin or bad habits) may need to be removed from our lives. Pray about the areas you identify and seek the Lord’s leading on whether those things need to be removed, limited or have some boundaries put into place. For example, I have had some people in my life that have been pretty negative. I have recognized that by allowing myself to be constantly exposed to that negativity, I then adopt negative thoughts, attitudes and reactions to situations in my life.

3. Identify areas of Satan’s attack in your life
Satan doesn’t like for you to be effective in sharing the gospel or reflecting God’s light. Satan will try to limit your effectiveness by identifying your weak areas and attacking. Make sure you are wearing the armor of God and praying for God’s covering and protection (Ephesians 6:10-18). If you begin to use gifting for God, step into leadership or teaching role realize that Satan may attack you trying to get you to back down, lose your effectiveness, etc. Pray for God’s support before you step into a new role and also during Satan’s attack.

4. Be intentional in making changes to increase your joy
In my case I need boundaries to limit how much time I spend with people who negatively impact me (you need to follow the Lord’s leading on whether you need to restrict time or actually end the relationship). I try to be intentionally positive when I am in their presence and immediately following to guard my heart and also to impact them positively. I have recently realized that Christian music is also a VERY good positive influence on me and I try to listen to it frequently to maintain my joy and positive thinking. I avoid secular music when possible because I recognize the negative impact upon me. You may have different changes to make like limiting exposure to certain TV shows, internet, email, talking on the phone, movies, etc.

5. Count your blessings; name them one by one…
They say it takes 7 positive comments to balance out one negative comment. We spend so much of our time criticizing others and ourselves. We think about what we don’t have with our physical bodies, spiritually, relationally and materialistically when we really need to think about what we do have, what God has blessed us with. Be specific when you write things down and you will be amazed at how many blessings you have. When you feel down you can look at this list and be reminded of what you have to be thankful for. Proverbs 17:22 says: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."

The joy of the Lord is our strength. We can’t fight the oppressor of our own strength. We need to draw from God’s strength to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to be good and faithful servants of our mighty God. Focus on God, The Creator of joy and light.

Thank You Lord for the freedom and joy You offer us. Thank You for Your word of truth that applies to our lives. Lord we pray You would give us our daily bread today. Help us to make it through today and make little effectual changes that impact us positively and return some joy into our lives. May we be in constant communion with the Holy Spirit. Lead, guide and protect us as we walk through this dark valley of joylessness, despair and even depression. May we learn lessons that we can use for Your glory, to teach and lead others closer to You. May we gain valuable advice and encouragement from godly leaders within our church body but also know that You alone are the great Counselor, the great Physician. We look to you for our healing and renewal of our joy and strength. Amen