Biblical Answer

Joy in the Midst of Overwhelm

When we're feeling overwhelmed, it's natural to wonder if our daily choices can bring joy to others. The answer is a resounding yes! According to the Bible, joy is a gift from God that can be found in the midst of challenges and difficulties. In 1 Timothy 6:17, we're reminded that God is the one who "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." This means that everything good in life can produce joy, from eating and drinking to working and enjoying leisure time.

However, it's also true that joy can be elusive, especially when we're struggling with overwhelming circumstances. But the good news is that joy is not something we have to manufacture on our own; it's a gift that comes from God. As we practice living a life that honors Him, we can experience joy in new and unexpected ways. This might involve making time for activities that bring us joy, such as feasting, gratitude, celebration, worship, or even solitude and fasting. As Richard Foster said, "Joy is the keynote of all the Disciplines." As we practice these disciplines, we can find joy in the midst of our daily lives.

So, how can we make our own purpose and joy, even when we're feeling overwhelmed? The answer is simple: we make our own purpose by living a life that honors God and seeks to bring joy to others. We can do this by asking ourselves, "Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?" As we surrender to His will and live a life of obedience, we can experience the joy that comes from being in relationship with Him. And when we do, we can find that our daily choices bring joy to others, even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. As the Bible says, "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). May we experience this joy in our daily lives, and may it overflow to those around us. References: 1 Tim. 6:17, Eccles. 5:18-20, Ps. 126:1-2, Nehemiah 8:10.