3 Steps to Joy

By: Shari A. Miller

This world is full of so many surprises and blessings.

It's also filled with trials and tribulations, as well as tears that can flow like a rushing river.

I don't know about you, but amidst it all, I'm always trying to find that balance, or rather that special something that takes my mind off the hardships and onto God's unending supply of joy.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Photo Credit: Sean via photopin CC,

I have found that if I continual call out to God for help and put these next 3 steps into play, more often than not, I find that joy will overflow into my heart and soul.



1. Never complain.
One of my favorite books to read is, "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow. Within this book she shared a recipe for contentment that was found in a missionary woman's journal, whose name was Ella.

1. Never allow yourself to complain, not even about the weather.
2. Never picture yourself in another circumstances or someplace else.
3. Never compare your lot with another's.
4. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
5. Never dwell on tomorrow, remember that tomorrow is God's not ours.

Wow! What a list! Just imagine if we put this into practice...... I think this list would destroy a lot of our joy stealers and keep our hearts fixed on what matters most.

Remember complaining gets us nowhere fast. It accomplishes nothing positive, it only puts us into a sour mood and depresses those that have to listen to us.

2. Turning your will over to the Father's.
When it comes down to it a lot of our disappointments and frustrations arise when we don't get our own way. We complain, throw a fit and demand our desires to be fulfilled and we want them now!

Are you like that? Well......maybe it's just me.{smiles} I know we've all been there.

You wanna know how to get out of this mode of the, "me mentality", turn your will over to God's. Release all of your desires and plans, and pick up his instead.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:3 (NIV)

3. Be in constant communion with God.
Another step that I have found to encourage joy in my life is to be in constant communion with God. What I mean by this is, to make sure you've had your quiet time with God, by praying and reading your Bible. I have found it even more beneficial if I have this quiet time more than once a day. I'm a stay at home mom with older kids, so it works for me to meet with the Lord 2-3 times a day.

Another way to be in communion with God is to pray without ceasing. Last week in our Word Filled Wednesday post, A Prayer Walk Around Your Home, I mentioned how you can pray over your family as you go about your day. You can walk through each room of your house and pray for the needs of each person that lives in the various rooms and the needs they have in their life. You can also go about your daily chores and be constantly prayer. There's no rule that you can't pray while your folding laundry, dusting, or making dinner,

Playing uplifting music or sermons throughout the day, is another way to be in communion with God. It takes out focus of off self and onto what matters most, our Savior.

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in you." 

Isaiah 26:3  (NASB)

Please take some time this week to put these steps into practice and let us know if you noticed a change in your life. Do you have other ways that bring you joy in your life? We would love to hear about them in the comments below.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

It is time for the Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesday Link Up. We desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories in their comments.

Use hashtag #w2wwordfilledwednesday

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1. Must be a {Christian} faith post.
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3. Visit and comment on at least one other blog in the link up.

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