I have a friend who lights up a room with her smile. You are drawn to her because of the joy-filled beam that glows from her face. Remarkably, while speaking with her, it never leaves. And yet, she could share with you some awful life experiences that make you wonder how she could possibly be so joyous. How does she avoid a victim mentality? How does she avoid a wall of bitterness?

My friend chooses joy!

She’s been through some of the most troubling life experiences, yet she chooses joy!

The joy of the Lord is [her] strength (Nehemiah 8:10). 

Do you know anyone who characterizes this verse? They’ve been through traumatizing life experiences and yet choose joy. They find their strength with joy in the Lord and growing their joy muscles instead of draining their strength through self-absorption and self-centeredness, reverberating how they deserved better.

My friend puts joy verses all around her home. She meditates on joy-filled Scripture throughout the day. She constantly reminds herself of her Savior. Her Savior, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despising the shame bearing hostility from evil men so that she “may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:2-3, ESV). He did that for her and He did it for YOU!

Count it all joy as you go through whatever you are going through (James 1:2). And by all means ask God to impart wisdom (James 1:5). Instead of putting on the narcissistic self, “Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4: 24).

My friend knows Jesus saved her for joy to live down deep within her providing the strength she needs to continually cast her cares on Him, daily (1 Peter 5:7). My friend’s face radiates the Savior’s love and grace, and that, my friends, spells J-O-Y! Don’t miss out!

The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Regardless of what you’ve been through, either self-inflicted or others-inflicted, the joy of the Lord provides the strongest walls this side of heaven!

Joyfully BEAM for your Savior!

As someone has said, “Joy is the flag flying high above the castle of the heart announcing that the King is in residence!”