joy
[joi] – noun
gladness not based on circumstance
Life never happens how you expect it. Life is full of twists and turns, highs and lows, mountains and valleys. This next season, my new team is committed to finding joy in everything and flipping how people typically perceive joy.
“More than whimsy, joy is a weapon we use to fight life’s battles.” -Margaret Feinberg
Lately, God has been teaching us how to find joy when others would expect us to complain or react poorly. But, joy is not an emotion. It isn’t an instinctive or intuitive feeling. Joy is a choice. It is something that we have to seek and choose on a daily basis and in every circumstance.
“I choose joy… I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.” -Max Lucado
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” -Henri J.M. Nouwen
This next season, we will be making joy a habit. We want people to notice that we are different in the way that we act. We want to be so joyful that Jesus’ love exudes from us. We want to choose joy to love each other better. To love our hosts better. To love our squad-mates better. To love the people we meet better. To love Cambodia and our next countries better.
“When joy is a habit, love is a reflex.” -Bob Goff
Before I want to introduce my team, I want to share an article that I read one morning at our Month 4 Debrief. It talks all about joy and includes many of the ideas and words that, as a team, we received before we decided on a team name. So…
Some days the thoughts come like an assault as soon as I open my eyes…
You’re not doing enough.
You’re letting people down.
When are you going to get it together?
Other days the lies slip in at unexpected moments like sneaky shots from a sniper. But it seems like every day I do battle. Every single day. You too?
A few years ago I uttered a frustrated prayer in my car, “God, why does the enemy seem so determined to destroy my joy?” And it felt like I heard a whisper within my heart in response: “He’s not really after your joy. He’s after your strength.”
Immediately I thought of Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Ah, yes, now it made sense.
The enemy of my soul wasn’t simply out to make me have a bad day. Instead, he was trying to do something far more sinister: make me ineffective in the Kingdom. Weaken my faith. Quiet my voice. Make sure I cowered in fear rather than standing in faith.
We’ve all probably had well-meaning people say to us, “Just be joyful!” like it’s an easy thing. As if the moment we decided to follow Jesus our lives would be cotton candy happy forever so we should just get with the program. But here’s the truth, friend: Joy requires all-out war. Every day. For the rest of our lives.
But here’s the good news: You aren’t fighting alone. God is with you, for you, and is on your side. He is even more committed to your victory than you are. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” {Rom. 8:37}. We just have to be willing to join the battle.
We’re told to put on the armor of God and there is only one offensive weapon in it: “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” {Eph. 6:17}. We guard our joy with Truth. When the lies come we have to slash them with what God says instead…
You’re not doing enough.
I only have to do what Jesus wants me to today and He will enable me to do so: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” {Phil. 4:13}.
You’re letting people down.
I’m not perfect so sometimes I will let people down but what matters is being obedient to God: “We are not trying to please people, but God” {Gal. 1:10}.
When are you going to get it together?
I’m human and as long as I’m on earth, I’ll still be in progress but God is growing me each day: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” {Phil. 1:6}.
Don’t believe the enemy: You’re not a weakling. You’re a warrior. So stand firm, friend. Raise the sword of truth. Never surrender your joy. It’s time to fight like girls. Girls who belong to the God who can never be defeated.
This is my battle cry for us today: Are you with me?
Now, without further ado, meet team YOJ! YOJ was chosen because it is about seeking His joy when our lives are turned around and because this is our Year Of Jubilee. I am beyond excited to do life with these 4 girls! I know! An all girls team! And there is just 5 of us! It’s crazy! (written by Regan)
Laney (27, Gilbert, AZ): YOJ’s fantastic team leader. She leads with a humble attitude lifting others up in the process. She is spiritually wise and is a fierce prayer warrior. She has so much fun and most often than not has a bright smile on her face. She is so kind and just a joy to be around. (Written by Kayla)
Summer (28, Austin, TX): Summer is one of the funniest people I know. I like to say she is carefree under control. She is someone who relies on the Lord on a daily basis. She has gone through so much and is always willing to share her wisdom with others. She is always willing to take the lead when needed, especially in lip sync battles, and is so confident in herself. Summer exudes joy and is just fun to be around. (Written by Regan)
Makayla (24, Lenoir, NC): Makayla is one of the sweetest and most trustworthy people I know. She handles hard situations with a lot of grace and is always aware of God’s presence in them. She is super silly and easy to talk to. She also takes amazing videos and photos, which capture the beauty of the people and situations we see on the World Race. (Written by Summer)
Kayla (24, Columbus, OH): Kayla is uh-maze-ing! Not only is she super wise in being able to take care of our medical needs, but she also shows so much wisdom in her walk with the Lord. She has such a heart for others and did I mention she’s hysterical? (Written by Makayla)
Regan (23, Slidell, LA): Is Ms. Fix it with items, people and just about anything- she is your go-to friend for just about everything! She is someone who values people and their feelings while putting others first. She is a Godly woman who shows integrity on a daily basis. She is super funny, goofy and easy to be yourself around. She is beautiful on the inside and out! I am so thankful and humbled to call you friend and to be able to do this life-changing journey with you!! (Written by Laney)
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9
