Joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair.

“Happiness needs security.” — these two statements are Ann Morrow Lindbergh‘s take on the difference between happiness and joy.

What do you think?

Is it possible to find JOY in despair?

Have you ever experienced joyful moments, even when you feel like you’re hanging from your fingertips over an open abyss? I have.

From my experience, that joy experienced in the midst of despair is all the sweeter because of the juxtaposition of the two.

Are you in a time of despair?

Hang on.

You will make it through.

And watch for those moments of JOY…

they’ll show up…

and they’ll be sweet.

” I’ve found a joy in sorrow, a precious balm for pain;

a beautiful tomorrow of sunshine after rain.

I’ve found a branch of healing near ev’ry bitter spring;

for ev’ry anxious feeling the Lord does comfort bring,

for ev’ry anxious feeling the Lord does comfort bring. “

Hymn “I’ve found a joy in sorrow” by Ira D. Sankey

Read more about JOY – in this post, and this one and this one!

Making it through…

So how do you find those moments of JOY when you’re sorrowing, or in the dark, or hanging on by your fingertips?

• Focus on what is in your life now – and in the past – for which you can be thankful. Gratitude is a key to unlock those moments of JOY.
• Surround yourself with those who will encourage you. Try very hard to push yourself into visiting with those who will pray with you, and lift you up. (It’s hard. I know. But the battle is worth it!)
• Watch what you read – find a devotional that will lift your spirits. This devotional, “Streams in the Desert” is one of my most favorite resources. It’s old, yet still so very relevant.
• Listen to songs with words from Scripture. Hymns. Sing along. Music is a powerful tool.

These items won’t be something new – rather they’re a way of living: thankful and optimistic. They’re the soil in which to plant future flowers of JOY!

weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning

Psalm 30

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