Finding true joy Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
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s Christians, we’re often reminded that we should experience joy in the midst of our trials. We are expected to feel good—and show a smile or two—when life is painful. But let’s be honest. It’s hard to feel happy about the burden you carry as a caregiver. When you’re stretched to your limits, exhausted by your schedule, and frustrated by the demands all around you, it’s hard to even smile, never mind feel joyful. But that’s not what joy is about. Joy isn’t feeling happy artificially, or putting a brave smile on your tired face and saying everything’s okay. Joy is trusting God and His great and glorious plan, knowing that it surpasses your understanding. Joy is the innate
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confidence that God is in control. It is the assurance that after you’ve done all you can, you can rest because God is responsible for the outcome. Such trust cannot be created by our own strength; rather, it is something we choose. On our caregiving journey, we need to choose joy. But how can we do this? How can we choose joy such that it flows freely into and through our lives? By abiding in Christ. By staying in constant contact and connection with Jesus daily, so that we build a close, intimate relationship with Him. First Thessalonians 5:16–18 puts it practically: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
