God Desires for You to Experience Joy in Your Life!

To achieve happiness, set a goal that directs your thoughts, frees your energy, and inspires your hope. I understand what you're thinking—it's easier said than done. For me, losing my husband felt like the end of my happiness. I couldn't envision ever being happy again. But that is not the truth. The thought that "you can never be happy again" is a lie from Satan, rooted in despair and meant to pull people away from hope, healing, and the promises of God. Scripture is full of reassurance that God brings renewal, joy, and restoration, even after your darkest seasons.

I'd like to share with you a breathing exercise I discovered during my Joy restoration coaching training with Leelo Bush.

1. Breathe out through your mouth, expelling all the air from your lungs.

2. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose until your lungs are completely filled.

3. Exhale through your mouth once more, and this time, make sure to have a big smile on your face as you do it.

4. Try it again...feeling better?

There is indeed a scientific explanation for this method. Just ask any jogger—they inhale significant amounts of oxygen while running. We know that cardiovascular exercise releases serotonin and dopamine in our bodies. Some refer to these as the "happy hormones," although they are technically neurotransmitters, but that's merely semantics. The key point is that this breathing exercise shows we can generate spontaneous happiness.

God wants you to find joy in your life, not just for your own happiness, but because the joy that comes from God gives us strength. Author Lydia Brownback expresses this idea in her book, Joy: A Godly Woman's Adornment, where she states:

"If we are in the midst of a difficult season, are we willing to rejoice and view it as an opportunity to see more of God's power and goodness? Being called to suffer is actually a privilege. Each trial is a gift. It's a chance to know God's strength and supernatural joy and to show that following Him is the answer."

With countless solutions for happiness available in the world, why is it that true fulfillment is only found when our lives are connected to Christ? I'll tell you the reason: it's because everything in this world is temporary, and happiness is merely a temporary emotion. True joy is internal and can only be reached through a spiritual relationship with God.

I'll conclude with this thought. Experiencing joy is a choice you make. Ultimate joy is granted by the Grace of God. Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to embrace joy. Joy goes beyond mere happiness; it enhances our testimony, uplifts our demeanor, and improves our health and quality of life. Keep in mind that the joy of the Lord is our strength. By living according to the Word, we gain the strength to be victorious.