Joy That Sustains: Trusting Jesus When Life Feels Full
The holiday months can joyful for some, and hard for others. Grief. Loss. Broken relationships. As the year winds down, life often feels full — full of emotions, plans, commitments, and expectations. And sometimes, full can feel like too much.
This season is joyful, yet hard for me as I navigate through the physical and emotional rollercoasters on my healing journey (52+ months), adjusting my lifestyle and schedule to accommodate my health needs, homeschooling, wrestling season, and my daughter's first year away in college. It feels so different, and God...
In the middle of all that fullness, there’s an invitation waiting: to slow down, breathe deep, and rediscover joy that doesn’t depend on how things look — but on Who God is. This verse is one of my anchors...
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3
1. Joy Grows Through Trust
Joy doesn’t bloom when everything is easy — it is cultivated in the soil of trust - trust in Jesus.
When we lean on Jesus in uncertainty, our hearts begin to rest. Trust shifts the focus from what we can’t control to the ONE who is always faithful. It is in the hard times that I feel Jesus closest to me. What does it look like to lean on Jesus? Try this:
When we lean on Jesus in uncertainty, our hearts begin to rest. Trust shifts the focus from what we can’t control to the ONE who is always faithful. It is in the hard times that I feel Jesus closest to me. What does it look like to lean on Jesus? Try this:
Joy begins to take root the moment we say, “Lord, I don’t understand, but I trust You.” We don't have to have it all figured out, God already does (believe me...I'm typing this for myself!)
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13
2. Joy Strengthens Us
Some days I feel like I can conquer the world, and yet many days life feels fragile. In both good times and hard times, JOY can be our steady strength. It’s the quiet resilience that whispers, “Keep going — God is with you.”
The kind of joy God gives isn’t shallow or fleeting. It’s deeply rooted -- the strength that holds steady in the middle of fatigue, uncertainty, and transition — the strength that lifts our eyes to hope again. When you find yourself needing strength, cling to this:
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
Remember: Joy does not mean that we never get sad, cry, or have a really bad day (or years). Joy is a quiet confidence that we have knowing God is walking with us. We don't have to figure it all out.
3. Joy Renews the Heart
Joy is a natural response to God’s goodness — even when circumstances haven’t changed. This took me a long while to figure out. I kept trying to be the go-lucky happy girl, but that was only covering up feelings.
But when we fix our minds on what’s true, pure, and lovely, joy begins to rise again. It reminds us that God is near, healing the places that feel weary or broken.
Take time each day to notice His goodness — a kind word, a warm sunrise, a moment of laughter. I call these "glimmers of joy" - God moments. Joy often hides in the ordinary. You have to be willing to see it.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely… think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8
A Final Word of Encouragement
Friend, joy doesn’t mean life is perfect — it means your heart has found its anchor in Jesus.
Even in the moments of weariness or waiting, joy still flows. It’s the quiet assurance that God is working all things for good — even the unseen ones.
One rhythm that helps me intercept my sad thoughts is reciting a Bible verse and combining it with movement and aromatherapy -- tackling multiple parts of the brain at once!
Let this be your reminder: the same God who carried you through this season is already preparing the next with grace. Take heart — and let joy rise again. I'm walking with you and believing JOY is RISING!
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
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Happy Thanksgiving!!!
With you in the journey,
Dr. Letticia (Dr. Joy oxox)
Dr. Letticia (Dr. Joy oxox)
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