Joy That Finds Us

Scripture:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” — James 1:2

The holiday season carries a strange tension.
It is filled with lights, laughter, and celebration, yet for many, it is also filled with memories that sting, quiet moments that feel heavy, and grief that resurfaces when we least expect it.

For some, this is the time of year when the ache becomes more noticeable.
We smile in public but feel the emptiness in private.
We celebrate with others, yet our hearts whisper, “I wish things were different.”

And into this mixture of joy and sorrow, Scripture speaks a truth that holds us steady:

The joy of the Lord, not the joy of the season, is your strength.

As we walk through this season, we must understand that Joy Is Not the Same as Holiday Cheer

Holiday cheer is loud, festive, and external.
Joy is deep, quiet, and internal.

Happiness may come from decorations, gifts, music, and moments, but biblical joy comes from knowing God is with you, especially when life feels overwhelming.

Joy doesn’t ignore grief.
Joy doesn’t silence pain.
Joy simply stands beside them and whispers:

“You are not alone. I am still here.”

You Don’t Have to Walk in Denial

This season, don’t feel the pressure to pretend everything is okay. Your grief is real.
This is the time when memories, good and bad, come to the surface.

And in all honesty…
My mom aggravated me.
She got on my nerves at times.
But what I wouldn’t give for her to call me one more time and tell me she’s proud of me…
or even call and drunkenly talk about absolutely nothing.

It’s in the quiet moments I realize how much I miss the niece who could make me laugh at the most ridiculous things…
or the uncle who could make me smile on the hardest days without saying a single word.

Grief hits differently during the holidays, because love hits differently during the holidays.

But hear this:
Don’t let these memories push you down.
Let them remind you that love was real, connection was real, and those moments shaped you.

Reflect with a smile.
Cry if you need to.
Hold both truth and tenderness at the same time.

And above all, know this:

The Lord is with you; He will never leave you.

The Bible never promised us a life without pain.
In fact, Jesus was honest:
“In this world you will have trouble…”
But He also said,
“…take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

You Are Not Alone in These Feelings

Sadness, grief, loneliness, these are not signs of weakness.
They are the signs of a heart that has loved deeply.

And you are not the only one walking through these emotions.
There is comfort in knowing that the people of God have always carried both sorrow and joy together.

Scripture tells us:

“We overcome by the word of our testimony.” — Revelation 12:11

There is healing in sharing.
Healing for you.
Healing for those who hear you.

When we speak our stories, God uses them to shine light into places still covered in shadows.

So reach out.
Talk to someone.
Let someone in.
Joy grows stronger when it is shared.

Prayer

Father, thank You for being near to the brokenhearted, especially in this season.
Thank You that Your joy is not a performance I must put on,
But a strength You place within me.
Comfort every grieving heart, hold every lonely soul,
And help us remember that we are never alone.
Fill our memories with peace, and let joy rise, even in the tears.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.