Oh, Joy

Honey, July is here!

How am I feeling about it? Well, I feel like there’s really no time to waste in this second half of the year. I’ve really wanted to be consistent this year in my writing and push myself in creative ways. I think I’ve had some successful months but then there’s been some months where I didn’t show up for my goals the way I would have liked. I can admit that I’ve struggled with a bit of self doubt throughout the year thus far but I’m still going and figuring things out. One of the biggest lessons I’m learning is the value of authenticity and finding my own unique voice as a writer and content creator. We can never go wrong with simply being ourselves.

I’ve prayed for certain things that God said yes to and those answered prayers came with new struggles. I’m truly trying to maintain joy even in uncomfortable and somewhat stressful situations. I try to always come back to a place of knowing that God will never give me more than what I can handle [1 Corinthians 10:13], especially on days when I just want to throw my hands up in the air. For me it’s easy to internalize my feelings so I know that I have to be intentional about not letting situations (or people) bring my spirits down. Can you relate?

I think what will truly make a difference in the second half of this year is having the kind of joy that comes only from God [Nehemiah 8:10]. If you’re with me, let’s commit to giving things out of our control to God. Let’s commit to responding to bad news with prayer and faith. Let’s remind ourselves when we are in our feelings about something that God is good. Let’s continue to pray and have a genuine smile on our faces when we find ourselves in a tough spot. On good days, let’s remember to say thank you. Let’s chase joy just as much as we chase goals because joy sends the enemy the message that no matter what life brings us, we will keep going.

Will it always be easy? Absolutely not.

Will it be worth it? It absolutely will.

So, like the old saying goes, “This joy I have, the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.”

K R Y S T L E