When Joy Feels Distant...

Have you ever wanted joy, but felt too tired or too broken to reach for it? Can I meet you there, friend? 

There are seasons when joy feels distant and circumstances feel raw… not because God forgot about you. Not because you’re doing something wrong. But because your body, heart, or circumstances are carrying more than usual. I’ve been there too --and I'm walking through it again, right now. After years of walking alongside women—and walking my own healing journey—I’ve learned this: joy doesn’t return through pressure. It returns through presence.

This past week I received another unexpected diagnosis. Breathe. "You got this. You got this..." my doctor's assistant repeated to me several times. In the moment, joy felt distant. But I knew I would have my time in God's presence that would reset my joy. Not because my circumstances changed, but I was choosing not to carry what I wasn't meant to carry.

I’ve learned that forcing joy never works. Striving only adds pressure to an already full heart (and man, it is exhausting, right?). But inviting God into the distance—into the quiet, the waiting, the uncertainty—creates space for joy to return in gentler ways. Not loud or rushed, but faithful.

When joy feels distant, pause and invite God right where you are. Yes, friend...right now.

Pause.

Place a hand over your heart. Take a slow breath. Whisper, “Lord, I need you. I can't carry this anymore. Meet me here.” 

That moment of peace you may be feeling right now—that is where joy resides, through Jesus.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You are healing every day. And guess what? God is near—and gentle steps really do lead to joy again.

If you’re walking a tender season, I share simple, faith-filled rhythms that help women reconnect with joy—slowly, safely, and with hope: