Who remembers the song this chorus is from?
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Right! Joy to the World by Three Dog Night – 1971 (listen here)
OK… OK… Here I go dating myself again. But I couldn’t help remembering this song when I was thinking about my newsletter for this month. As those words came back to my mind (and naturally, the melody as well) I thought, “You’ve got to be kidding me, right?” Joy to you and me? How in the world do we find any joy in this crazy world we live in? If the state of the economy, wars, and political infighting were not enough, I’ve had no less than five people in the past two weeks send emails for ‘urgent prayer’ for family members or friends who are going through extreme health problems, surgeries, or relationship difficulties. What joy? Where do we find joy in the midst of all the trials and chaos going on in and around us?
Then I thought about why I named my life coaching business Joy on Purpose. It was because after going through some very rough times in my own life, I learned very clearly that unless we purposely choose to find joy; it will elude us. So, I thought I would share some hints with you from my article entitled “50 Ways to Find Joy” to help you hold on to real joy as we think about heading into the upcoming season of “Joy to the World.”
If you have more ideas on how to purposely choose joy, I’d love for you to share them by clicking COMMENTS at the top of the page so others can benefit from your great ideas!
- Decide to choose joy. Finding joy begins with a decision to make joy and the Joy Giver your priority. Make time for God and for the things you enjoy most.
- Make a Joy List. Write down the things that you love to do and those things that bring you closer to God. Then do them!
- Remember, you’re not alone. Others are going through the same struggles as you. And God can use you in each others’ lives to give the support you both need in life’s toughest times.
- Don’t do life alone. God never intended for us to be Lone Rangers. Seek out your friends, and share life! You’ll find much more joy if you do.
- Add self-care to your Joy List. Write down all the things that you enjoy doing that will nurture your health and emotional well-being as well as your spiritual growth.
- Make time for you. Commit dedicated time for the things you just wrote in your Joy List. Schedule them on your calendar.
- Give yourself the gift of rest. Remember, your greatest need is for Christ Himself, who strengthens you in every way. Take time to get alone, rest and refresh your body, your mind and your spirit.
- Make time and energy for what fires you up. Ask God to slow you down a little so you can listen to the passion He put in your heart. Make a list of what energizes you and what drains you. Then focus on the things that energize, and if possible, find ways to change or eliminate your energy drainers.
- Discover your passion. Find a life coach or other professional who can help you work through a life assessment to help you discover the passion God put deep in your soul.
- Learn how you can use your gifts. Work with a friend or a professional to discover what career, ministry or volunteer organization may be a good avenue for you to use the gifts, talents and passions God has given you.
Don’t forget to click COMMENTS at the top of the page and share your thoughts and ideas about choosing joy!
