The Joy That Strengthens Me

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
— Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

We used to sing a song in church, “The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength.” That line comes straight from Scripture.

Over the years, I’ve learned something important—the joy of the Lord is not the same as happiness. Joy is not something that shows up only when everything is going well. It often appears when things are falling apart—when the bottom drops out and nothing makes sense.

Let’s be honest—it’s not natural.

Peace in the middle of chaos?
Joy in the middle of pain?

That doesn’t make sense to us as humans.

When we experience grief, loss, or turmoil, joy feels impossible. When life hits us—it hurts. That’s part of being human. So how is it possible to experience joy in these times?

Through my own seasons, I’ve experienced countless moments when life hit hard—when things looked impossible, leaving me hurt and confused. Fear of the future began to consume me. At times, I even wondered how some of the commandments in Scripture were possible.

Philippians 4:6 begins: “Do not be anxious about anything…”

Are you kidding? The bottom has dropped out—and I’m not supposed to be anxious? That feels like an impossible command.

Ah—but the verse continues:
“…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

The instruction to pray isn’t difficult—we can pray and still feel afraid or anxious.

But I believe the key is found in those two words: with thanksgiving.

Thanking God for what He would do to carry me through those impossible times—blindly trusting that He would make things right.

That became the key throughout my seasons for receiving a joy that was unspeakable—a joy that could not be rationally explained.

I also learned something else: I don’t have to be in a “hot mess” to realize that joy is missing from my life.

 When the Struggle Is Real

Part of Paul’s instruction is:

“If there be any virtue…think on these things.”

That can feel like a tall order, depending on the season you’re in.

I’ll be honest—this is something I’ve had to wrestle with.

At this stage of life, I deal with neuropathy, which means I use a walker to get around—or I will tumble to the ground. But even more challenging is being legally blind.

I live with retinitis pigmentosa, which affects my peripheral vision and causes severe night blindness. I can manage that. But the most difficult issue is advanced macular degeneration.

Living with it is like being in a constant fog or steam room. Faces are hard to recognize. Everyday tasks—like eating—can become an adventure.

Cooking is difficult. Cleaning is difficult. I depend on good lighting and careful routines just to function day to day.

So yes—I’ve had moments where I’ve asked:

“Lord…exactly how am I supposed to find anything good in this?”

And if I’m not careful, I can slip right into what I call my “pity parlor.”

Mine has black walls, black balloons, and funeral music playing in the background. Oh yes—I can decorate it very well.

 Choosing to See Differently

But one day, I stood in front of the mirror and really looked at myself.

And I said,
“Well, old girl…you look pretty good for a woman in her late 70s! No wrinkles, no sagging—you look marvelous!”

I had to laugh.

I’m sure those things are there…
I just can’t see them.

And then it hit me—

I can’t see the flaws in others either.

Now that’s not such a bad thing.

 God’s Provision in the Middle of It All

Yes, I still struggle. But I’ve learned to look for how God is providing right in the middle of it.

• I can still use my computer with a large monitor
• I can still work and earn income
• I can still play the piano and bless others through music—even when I struggle to see the keys
• I have technology—apps and even AI glasses—that help me navigate what I cannot see

God has not left me without help. Not for a moment.

And when I stop and thank Him for those things—something happens:

Joy rises.

And that joy gives strength.

 Guarding Your Joy

I’ve also learned that joy must be protected.

There are people and things I call “joy suckers.”

Sometimes it’s circumstances.
Sometimes it’s other people.
And sometimes—it’s my own thoughts.

When I replay conversations in my mind after a controntation—“I should have said this” or “I’ll show them”—it doesn’t take long before I realize:

The joy is gone.

The joy of the Lord does not stay in the same room as bitterness, resentment, or constant negativity.

Yes, we all need to share our burdens. We need prayer. We need support.

But there is a difference between sharing… and living in a place of constant complaining.

I live in an independent retirement community where I am very happy. Is everything perfect? Of course not—but I would have to think long and hard to find faults. The staff, management, and amenities are exactly what I need at this stage of life.

A big plus is that our meals are prepared and served in a large dining room with many options. Most meals are very good. They may not season dishes the way I used to—but then again, I didn’t like everything my mother made when I was a child either.

There have been times when someone at my table does nothing but complain—about everything. Sitting through a meal like that can begin to drain the joy right out of me.

 Choosing Gratitude Daily

Life is not perfect at this stage. Losing total independence is a difficult pill to swallow. I imagine many of my fellow residents struggle with that, and it may be at the root of ongoing discontent for some.

I miss preparing my own meals—choosing exactly what I want to eat. Yet before I moved here, I often relied on microwave meals or food delivery.

So if I follow Paul’s instruction to find virtue in anything, I remind myself:

• I don’t have to shop and pay for groceries
• I don’t have to cook
• I don’t have to wash dishes
• I have choices at every meal
• And I’m eating healthier than I have in years

There is always something to be thankful for—if I choose to see it.

The Bottom Line

I’ve made a choice:

To look for the good.
To be thankful.
And most importantly—to praise the Lord.

Why?

“God inhabits the praise of His people.”

He moves in.

And when He moves in—
He brings joy.

And that joy…
becomes my strength.

Closing Blessing

May you find, even in the middle of your hardest season,
at least one thing that is good…
one thing that is worthy of praise.

And as you fix your thoughts there,
may the Lord fill your heart with a joy
that does not depend on circumstances—
but on His presence.

---

Thank you for walking this journey with me here at Hope in the Journey.

---