I don’t have to search much to find the joy bringers in my life. For instance, I love (in no particular order) – curling up with a good book, spending time with family, drinking coffee, eating dark chocolate, reading and writing poetry, scenting sea air, watching day seeping into dusk and sunset, being outside, laughter, company, connecting, silence and solitude.
Some of these are easily achievable now; others must wait for the right timing, opportunity, sufficient health, strength and energy to coincide. You’ll note some of them seem contradictory. That’s because I’m a reflective, contemplative introvert at heart and also a woman who savours being in touch with others!
While I relish having a writing outlet, and derive great satisfaction and pleasure from many things, it is relationships most of all that provide me with the greatest joy and pleasure.
I delight most in family and friends, knowing and being known, loving and being loved. God’s purpose is primarily for us to be in relationship with Him and with one another, to be life enhancers and joy bringers as we shine His light in our daily lives.
What does being a joy bringer look like? Does it mean having a perfect, joy filled life? Far from it. It’s more about joy in knowing God and sensing His hand at work.
“Joy is not gush. Joy is not mere jolliness. Joy is perfect aquiescence – acceptance, rest – in God’s will, whatever comes. And that is so, only for the soul that delights in God” ~ Amy Carmichael
Because God-shaped joy transcends circumstances – it is mysterious, wondrous and liberating. When our lives are less than joyful, we can discover it afresh in recognising how we are held, strengthened, kept and comforted in our hour of need.
God’s constant presence is what stabilises our see-saw emotions and gives grace to cope for one more day, then the next, and so on, providing the means to endure or overcome.
The joy we have is in being able to cast our cares and burdens on the Lord, release our worry and anxiety. We can rest in knowing God is dealing with our problems, granting us grace to wait, offering His perfect peace while we pause before receiving answers to come.
And you know what brings us magnified joy? it’s the ability to care, to hold one another in prayer, encourage each other on the journey and share the blessings we receive.
“When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because it adds fuel to the other’s flame” ~ St Augustine
Today I invite you to search out your own joy bringers and reflect on ways in which you are able to offer joy to others, because what we focus on most tends to define our days.
Welcome to #day23 of #write31days of journeying into joy
It’s a joy to have you travelling with me, especially as we begin to wind up this series.
Each day has been an adventure of faith with God providing abundantly!
Poetry Joy 
Love the Amy Carmichael quote. And this is totally me too: “You’ll note some of them seem contradictory. That’s because I’m a reflective, contemplative introvert at heart and also a woman who savours being in touch with others!”
Tara, I love anything Amy Carmichael related! It’s good to know you do, too, and that we share seemingly contradictory characteristics. Happy to share that with you, my friend! 🙂
In becoming more and more of a Joy-seeker we become more and more of a Joy-giver, don’t we? And our true Joy is Jesus in every single circumstance. I’ve been thinking about going back through my past looking for Jesus’ Presence at each step . . . seeking my Joy in new places. I’ve worked through hard places, but I know now that even there, He was there. I want to look at life with Joy-glasses 😊. Thank you for this inspiring post.
Absolutely, Anna! Joy is meant to be shared. I will be covering that aspect more in a future post. Yes and Amen to your words here: “our true joy is Jesus in every single circumstance.” I can testify to seeing Jesus in life’s painful places, even if it wasn’t always clear at the time of the trial. But we do get better at realising He never leaves us alone. I received a personal word of reassurance to that effect when having counselling. Let’s both try to keep on looking at life with those “Joy-glasses on”, shall we? I’ll be praying for you. Bless you, my friend. ❤
Dear Joy, Once again God has let our paths overlap! This: “God’s purpose is primarily for us to be in relationship with Him and with one another, to be life enhancers and joy bringers,” is so true! I just posted today about Community–what a sweet thought! I want to be part of those JOY BRINGERS and LIFE ENHANCERS. And, then to add the quote by Amy Carmichael–she is one of my favorite authors, and a long time “mentor” if that is possible, by studying her life. Thank you for the encouragement to keep pressing forward into that “delight in God.” xoxo
Dear Bettie, I am awed and amazed at how our paths have overlapped, especially since taking on this writing challenge together! I must hop over as soon as possible and read your post. Community is such an important part of supporting one another. I love Amy Carmichael as well, and once wrote about her life on Words of Joy. I could see similar parallels with my own in terms of long-term incapacity leading to writing to the world from her room, rather like I do while housebound with M.E. I’m delighted to know you and I have another thing in common! Thank you for your continued faithful presence here. I am grateful for your sweet company and attentive listening. xoxo
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Joy bringers and Joy givers from my dear Sister, Joy!
Bless you, Brother Michael, you are so kind! 🙂
“Does it mean having a perfect, joy filled life? Far from it. It’s more about joy in knowing God and sensing His hand at work.” This is so true, Joy. I love your whole post! It’s filled with wisdom, and I especially like the Amy Carmichael quote. And this, “…because what we focus on most tends to define our days.” I know that is true, and when my focus is on me and my problems the day goes from bad to worse. But when I focus on God and others, the circumstances might not change, but my perspective does and my joy is obvious. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Many blessings to you! Love and hugs! xo
Gayl, I so appreciate you stopping by! And more than happy that you should find a nugget here to take away with you. I’m needing to pay attention to where my focus lies, because illness and pain can so easily skew the vision. Bless you for being here, friend. Abundant blessings to you as you complete your series – we’re nearly there!! Love and hugs. xo