Joy in the journey
I think sometimes the ‘in-between’ moments are the most boring. Like, when life isn’t necessarily going amazing, but also not bad. Like that space between the valley and the mountaintops when you are simply just living day-by-day. You wake up, go about your day, and go to bed to repeat everything tomorrow.
But how can we find joy in the journey?
As humans, we long for two things: purpose, and routine. When we lack one or both of these things, that’s where the boringness of day-to-day life can overwhelm, and even depress us. One thing we all have in common is needing/maintaining joy.
Proverbs 17:22 ~ A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
I have been reading a lot of self-help books lately but none is greater or more impactful than the bible. Even on days when it feels like I’m forcing myself to read it, God finds a way to jump out at me and grabs my attention. The bible ALWAYS remains relevant. It quite literally is the greatest self help book in the universe. Personally, it took me time to actually ENJOY reading it, rather than it feeling forced.
Here are some things I did to help get into the routine, and have fun reading my bible & finding joy with God:
Having a cute bible- No, it doesn't matter what color your Bible is, whether it's old, new, etc. However, for me, having a cute Bible gets me excited to read it! I love my Hosanna Revival Notetaking Bible from altered state!
Using guided scripture- the Bible app offers daily guided scripture. It plays a video for you and explains/breaks down verses to help with better understanding.
Reading with friends- grabbing friends to get coffee and read the bible makes it so much more enjoyable sometimes!
Setting time aside to abide- even if it's only five minutes, set time aside in your day to read a verse or two every day. Play music and make it fun!
Prayer- pray before reading scripture for understanding and for God to speak to you.
God WANTS us to enjoy life as christians. But He also wants RELATIONSHIP with us. The bible is literally a weapon against the enemy. The bible app is great, but personally, I love having physical one.
Enjoying the journey can also look like hosting bible studies, opening you home to others, joining a worship team, or serving at the church.
When we come together with other believers, that's when real joy begins. I've noticed in my own life, I am happiest when I'm around people who have the Holy Spirit within them. You know how you can just feel God in the room sometimes? Yeah, that's the best.
When you experience those valleys and ‘in-between’ moments, do not remain complacent. Do not let yourself fall in a rut. He would love nothing more than for you to lose joy. But here is what God says:
James 1:2: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
God literally says to consider it joy when we face trials, because it makes us STRONGER!
I pray that whoever reads this experience the joy unlike anything they've ever known. I pray they experience an encounter with you God. I pray that you remind them even when they go through hardships that there is joy to be had. Thank you for giving us the gift of Joy, and relationship with you even though we don’t deserve it.
Amen.
