Do you remember the last time you couldn’t find your car keys? Or, when you searched frantically for the phone that you just had a minute ago?
Some say it’s because we get older. Some say it’s hormones. Others blame forgetfulness on motherhood.
It could be all of these.
But, what if it’s, just us? What if we just forget things?
Our minds become cluttered with many thoughts. At least mine does. One minute you are holding something precious in your hands and not thinking much about it. The next minute, your mind has moved on to something else.
Then you set it down: the keys, the phone, the important paperwork, the item you needed to return to someone. It was important to you, but your thoughts weren’t focused on it. You didn’t need to really think about it; that very important thing you needed was right there with you.
Without skipping a beat, your child calls out, the phone rings or you remember something you need to do so you move on to the next thing. You don’t even realize that very soon, the item which you needed…won’t be found.
Sometimes, it seems joy is like that too.
One day we are happy, smiling, encouraging others & feel lifted up. We’ve just been to church, or read a great article or listened to encouraging music. We feel positive and fabulous. Then something happens and fear, anger, bitterness, anxiety, some level of intense emotion, come rolling to the forefront of our minds.
One minute we are sure of something we have and we respond positively. The next minute; our mind is distracted, we can’t find it and we feel distraught.
We are forgetful.
Did that important thing we needed just disappear? No. It seems like it, but no. It still exists.
Did it become less capable of serving it’s purpose? No. The item itself hasn’t changed.
But, you can’t find it. And if you can’t find it, you can’t benefit from the purpose(s) it was designed for.
What happens then? Do we search and search? Do we ask others to help us find it? When it comes to our misplaced keys or phone, mostly likely the answer is yes. We will do what it takes to find our precious belonging.
What if it is our joy that seems misplaced? Or our happiness? The smiles we once had? Will we search, and search, and search some more? Will we ask for help? Or, will we deny that it can be found? Will we refuse to ask for help? Will we give up?
Dear one, let’s not give up looking OK?
Sometimes we could really use the help of an extra set of eyes for perspective. Sometimes we need a little encouragement to not give up the search. Sometimes, we need to be encouraging others in their search.
True joy and true happiness are not found in facades or platitudes. They are sought after, fought for, and lived with.
True joy is what we have as a believer because our hope is not based on our circumstances, but on the everlasting, victorious Redeemer whose future glories far outweigh the pains of today.
We can feel like joy is lost. In truth, it isn’t. For the believer it hasn’t disappeared. It’s right where we need it to be. Sometimes, we just need a reminder of where to look.
Maybe you are struggling to find your joy today, as I know I have many times. If you are a follower of Christ, you have a helper in the Holy Spirit to find what is already yours.
Perhaps you could also ask a friend, family member or church member to help you see clearly again.
Like many of you, I’m forgetful. I often need reminders of the power of Christ who lives in me. If I can’t find it, I miss out on the blessings of joy. When someone reaches out to lovingly remind me & to pray with me, it helps me remember that what seemed lost was always right where I needed it.
Can I remind you of the same today? Would you scroll below for further reading & scripture selections to study?
Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart. – Psalm 119:111
4 Part series “A mother’s heart falling into the Father’s arms.”
| Image courtesy of Toa55 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
For further reading, please consider the following:
- Where Does Joy Come From? by John Piper
- Seven Sources of Joy by John Piper
- Truer Knowledge Brings Greater Joy by John Piper
- Joy in suffering? For real? by Jolene Underwood
- Scripture Selections: 2 Corinthians 7:4, James 1: 2-4, Galatians 5:22, Romans 15:13 & more. How about some personal study for deeper reflection?
Hi Jolene! Debi here! John Piper’s book “When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy” was the beginning of coming out of a severe depression. I love the wisdom that God shares through John Piper. So excited to find someone else who appreciates his writings.
Hi Debi! I haven’t read that particular book but it sounds like a great one! It’s a blessing to have great teachers, writers & preachers so that we can gain further understanding. Glad you have found healing & your true joy. 🙂
Jolene. I so believe that God crossed our paths for this season. Today was my first day without an antidepressant in my system. It was okay. But I know harder days are probably coming, and God is definitely using your writing to encourage me and to keep my focus trained on Him. Thank you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
It’s so important for me to keep myself from getting in bogged down into believing the way I feel right now is how I will feel forever (especially when things are tough). Joy is always there for the taking. Good post.
visiting from Imperfect Prose.
Yes, this!
Let us purpose to remember joy!
I loved your analogy. Good stuff Jolene! Keep writing and blessing people pointing them to Jesus. I found you on Juana Mikel’s link up party. Blessings! ~andy lee @ http://www.wordsbyandylee.com
Oh Marie – I’m so glad you shared that with me. I am praying for you know. You’re right, hard days are usually around the corner. BUT that doesn’t mean we need to focus on them. RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE the power of our great Redeemer is here! I was very close to taking meds myself but am rather resistant to it. Thankfully herbal remedies helped for the physical part, and I still take them. While the physical heals, the emotions & spiritual often need healing & encouragement as well. May you be encouraged to know that HE HAS NOT LEFT YOU and IS more MIGHTY than we can ever fathom. I am standing with you in prayer dear sister-in-Christ!
Amen! Recently I’ve been re-reading the verses on renewing the mind & have heard scientific talks about the actual physical changes that occur when we do. It’s amazing how God in His wisdom gives us His words to teach us that we ought to capture our thoughts. When we do he trains us to trust, grows us in our faith and it even physically impact us. He works ALL these things together in amazing ways. May you be encouraged today to keep seeking His truths when the enemy continually tries to impede.
Amen. 🙂
Thank you for leading me here today. I’m lacking eloquent words at this hour but really am grateful to have now connected with you. I’ve been reading the same John Piper book that another commented on below. I will need to check out the others you have mention too. Blessings.
Thank you Andy! I appreciate the encouragement. 🙂