Finding Joy in the Lord: 9 Biblical Tips
I’m bent over an industrial meat slicer—not thinking a thing in the world about finding joy in the Lord—when a phrase comes to mind:
“Why do we often have to lose what we have to appreciate it?”
I’m 21 years old, and I’m far from my home in Pennsylvania. I’m working in a deli in the middle of Alaska, saving money for next year’s college expenses, and hiking every time I get a free hour.
I love Alaska.
The view of endless mountains intrigues me.
I love to watch the fireweed dance beneath the midnight sun and sit by the river that flows grey with glacial silt.
This place meets my expectations and then some. I spend every weekend in the backcountry with a tent and thrive on the sense of possibility that awaits me each morning. I’ve been known to row across Otto Lake in the middle of the night while the sun shines warm upon my skin.
Finding Joy in the Lord
I’ve been here for five weeks. I spent the first four weeks suppressing an inner ache, convincing myself that the life of a nomad was the life for me. However, as I slice meat in this deli, I finally let myself feel it.
I miss sticky summer nights, looking for whitetails with Dad, walking the block with Mom, and adventures with my friends. I never imagined I’d miss these simple gifts, but isn’t this just how life is sometimes?
We don’t appreciate what we have until we’ve lost it.
At this moment, I come to a surprising realization: I don’t want to be a traveling nomad forever. Family and friends matter deeply to me. I will return home at summer’s end, and I will try to find a teaching job near my hometown.
Finding Joy in the Lord by Appreciating What You Have
Two decades later, I remember the midnight sun and the deli. I remember it all as I watch our kids splash in the creek behind the house. I’ve been counting days lately—longing for time to go faster so that we might get on with the next thing.
I’ve forgotten all about savoring these moments. However, as the phrase I pondered in Alaska echoes in the recesses of my mind, I remind myself that I don’t want to be the kind of woman who doesn’t know what she has until it’s gone.
Why does it take the startling reality of loss to shake us into a deep appreciation for what we have?
Why does it take the startling reality of loss to shake us into a deep appreciation for what we have? #Gratitude #SavortheMoment #SlowDown Share on XVowing to savor life more often, I let the kids splash along the creek until the sun fades behind the hills. I notice the way the older one digs in the sand and the little one wades into the deep with an expression of unrivaled expectation. I don’t take a single minute for granted.
In the process, I find the most wonderful gift: deep joy.
Perhaps this resonates. If you want to learn to find joy in the Lord and cultivate gratitude, these insights are for you.
Finding Joy in the Lord: 9 Ways
Let’s look at nine insights for finding joy in the Lord.
1. Refuse to hurry as much as possible.
Aim to live slowly and intentionally. Whenever you feel the urge to hurry, stop yourself. Try to leave margin in your days so that you don’t have to rush from one task to the next.
“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way” (Prov. 19:2, ESV).
2. Put down the phone.
Try to avoid scrolling, even when sitting in waiting rooms. Teach yourself to be present to what is happening around you, and you will be on your way to savoring life.
“Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding” (Prov. 2:2).
3. Listen closely.
Other people need our love and attention. Look into the eyes of the person in front of you in every conversation. Listen for gentle impressions from the Lord. He wants to show you how to love the people he places in your path.
“Be quick to listen” (James 1:19).
4. Eat slowly.
Taste the food as you chew. Don’t watch TV or scroll through Facebook. Be present while you nourish your body.
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you” (Psalm 5:11).
5. Get outside daily.
God’s heavens proclaim his glory every day. Aim to take even a short walk to the end of your driveway or stand on your front step for a few minutes. Breathe. Feel the air in your lungs, the wind on your face, or the sunshine on your skin.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1).
6. Keep counting gifts.
Give thanks for spring rain showers, hot mugs of coffee, smiling children, and warm meals. Count God’s gifts all day long, and you will be on your way to savoring life.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).
7. Cultivate an attitude of joy.
We choose joy or grumpiness. Daily make the choice to be joyful.
“Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16).
8. Pray without stopping.
Our joy expands when our lives become ongoing conversations with God.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).
9. Serve others.
The Bible makes it clear that those who spend their energy serving others are more blessed than those who receive.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Prov. 11:25).
Your Invitation to Finding Joy in the Lord
I close with an invitation for you today.
Take a moment to reflect on the past day.
You probably faced some difficult moments. Meanwhile, there were gifts woven into even the toughest moments. Imagine the gifts were suddenly stripped away. Imagine the ache you would feel in your chest and the emptiness in your heart.
Today, take a moment to thank God for the gifts you often take for granted.
Thank him for the loved ones who drive you up the wall with their silly habits, the children who make messes in your home, and the friends who interrupt your schedule. Thank God for your imperfect job, cluttered house, and noisy pets.
Give thanks for the gifts while you have them. You never know what tomorrow holds.
Calling All Parents and Grandparents!
As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God. Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision. They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love.
Calling All Boy Moms (and Dads)!
God’s Warrior: Devotions for Boys Who Want to Grow in Courage and Strength helps young boys, ages 5-13, learn what it means to trust God and become strong warriors for his kingdom. Now, more than ever, our world needs men who are willing to boldly carry God’s love into the world. I wrote this boys’ devotional book with our two young sons, Aiden and Caleb, ages six and eleven! You’ll enjoy their honesty as we teach boys how to be strong warriors for the Lord. Find this life-changing devotional book here.
Mother-Daughter Devotionals by a Mom and Daughter
Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith is written for girls ages 7-12. It includes 60 devotions with Scripture, conversation starters, and a shared journaling section for moms and daughters after each devotion. I wrote this book with the help of our daughter, Bekah, when she was eleven. Find this one-of-a-kind shared devotional here.
Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls is for teenage girls ages 13-20. It includes 50 devotions, each with a shared journaling section to help moms and daughters connect through writing. This is a great book for moms who want to communicate about awkward topics—like dating, sexuality, peer pressure, and more—but don’t know where to start. Bekah and I will help you right here.
Find Our Family Devotionals Here
Find all three books right here. They are also free on the Kindle Unlimited plan, which you can enjoy with a free three-month trial! These books make great gifts, and you don’t need to be the parent of young children to read them. Share them with your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or the young ones you love.
Learn Why Willpower Doesn’t Work and Experience God’s Deliverance and Healing
God wants to work in your life to accomplish what you’ve been unable to do through willpower alone. Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free shares practical ways to experience God’s freedom, healing, power, and presence in your life. Find this life-changing book as a free eBook on Kindle Unlimited or for 12.99 in print right here. (If you do not have Kindle Unlimited, you can try it out with a free three-month trial!) This book will transform your life and revitalize your relationship with the Lord!
A Free Devotional to Help You With Finding Joy in the Lord
I have a gift for you today. Set Free: Let God Do What You Cannot explores ten realms in which most of us need God to work in our lives and bring deliverance. We’ll talk about finding freedom from fear, worry, insecurity, bad habits, emotional pain, and more. This short online devotional will bless you as you let God accomplish what you’ve been unable to achieve through willpower. Get your download for free with promo code GRACE right here.
This post was originally published on February 23, 2022.
