Choose Joy!

Choosing Joy in the Middle of Life’s Messiness

We like to imagine that joy is something waiting for us just beyond the horizon. “Once things settle down… once I have more money… once the kids are grown… once I get through this season—then I’ll finally be happy.”

But here’s the truth: life never really “settles down.” There will always be deadlines, unexpected bills, health concerns, relationship struggles, or just the daily grind of living in a complicated world. If we spend our lives waiting for the perfect moment to choose joy, we’ll wait forever.

Joy isn’t the prize at the end of the struggle. Joy is a decision we make in the middle of it.

Jesus said in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” That promise isn’t reserved for when life feels smooth—it’s for now, in the middle of uncertainty. His joy is steady, available, and strong enough to carry us through.

So what does it look like to choose joy today?

• Shift your focus. Instead of zeroing in on what’s wrong, take notice of what’s good—no matter how small.

• Laugh more. Joy multiplies when we let ourselves be lighthearted, even when things aren’t perfect.

• Be present. Joy lives in the moment, not in the “someday” we keep waiting for.

• Share it. A joyful spirit is contagious; your smile, your words, your encouragement can change the atmosphere around you.

Life will always be messy, but joy doesn’t have to wait until the mess clears. Choose joy today. Not because life is perfect, but because joy is powerful enough to shine even in imperfection.

When we do, we not only change our outlook—we give others permission to choose joy too.