The Journey to Joy: remaining content in the dark valleys

Danielle
Feb 9, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Feb 24, 2023

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4

Being joyful in life is often extremely difficult, especially in an ever-changing and darkening world. Amid relationships, school, work, and other obligations we can find ourselves in what feels like a never-ending cycle of stress and chaos-distracted from the joy we have been gifted by and through Christ. In this blog, we will delve into some ways we can better abide in joy, remaining content no matter what life throws at us.

Where does our joy come from?

Joyfulness sometimes feels like something we have to *find*. We may try to find it in our community and friendships, our hobbies, etc. Searching for positive moments, through hardships, in our lives is not a bad thing. But seeking temporary happiness is not the same as the joy I am talking about today.

The joy I am talking about is felt in the soul, stirred up by the Holy Spirit. Our joy, I could say "capital 'J'" Joy comes from the Lord. In Psalm 16:11, David says to the Lord, "...in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

In the presence of God, there is FULLNESS of joy. Not partial joy, or fleeting happiness, but the ultimate fulfillment of joy is there when we are with the Lord. He is our everlasting source of joy. It is at His right hand where we can find true goodness that is never-ending, never-wavering. Forevermore.

Joy and suffering are not mutually exclusive

I won't understate the fact that cruel things happen in this world. Some misfortunes are nearly crippling. It is hard to imagine being cheerful when there is evil happening all around us...or even *to* us. But we are not called to be cheerful or celebrate our sorrows, we are called to be joyful and content in the midst of them. Suffering is real but so is the transcending power of the Spirit of God. When talking about being joyful in the midst of suffering I find that it often goes two ways: Either it is very elusive and mystic, which is not very helpful to combat the pain and suffering we face that is tangible and real. Or joyfulness becomes a euphemism for sucking it up, not even acknowledging negative emotion, but faking external happiness. Neither of these paradigms of joy in suffering is ideal.

Joy does not have to be at odds with suffering. Suffering and sorrow are inevitable parts of human life. We see Jesus experience sorrow at Gethsemane. Make note that His sorrow was not watered down by his divinity, instead it was purer sorrow than any of us have ever felt. Having empathy, and being able to weep with those who weep is a core part of the human experience. We should embrace the full array of human emotions. Seasons of sadness and lamenting are not something we must try to get through as quickly as possible to "reach" the joy that is found in Christ. Joy does not *only* follow sorrow, as some people think. We are called to rejoice ALWAYS, meaning we can indeed rejoice and weep simultaneously.

We always have something to rejoice about

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

As believers, we are in Christ Jesus. Because of Christ, we can always have hope for the future. We know that God is sovereign and faithful to us. Our current trials and tribulations will end. God will redeem and restore the world and that is something to always be grateful and joyful about. In moments of suffering or sorrow, we can look to the cross and rejoice that our pain is not forevermore. When we are troubled, we do not have to despair. Instead, we can sing and pray what the psalmist does in Psalm 42.