John 16:22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

“…No one will take away your joy.” Hmmm. From time to time, my joy is definitely gone. When something frustrating happens at work, a rude person crosses my path, the kids don’t cooperate, my husband does (or doesn’t do) something that upsets me, the test result doesn’t go my way… the list goes on and on and on.

I’m sure I’m not alone. We all have bad days. I wrote a post a while back about the difference between joy and happiness which you can read here. I KNOW the difference, but I can’t always LIVE the difference.

Usually when my joy goes missing, my focus is shifted on multiple levels. When I’m feeling on edge, it’s because I am being short sighted and using worldly standards instead of eternal standards. The ugly selfishness I try to avoid takes center stage and suddenly everyone has it better than me, no one appreciates me, it’s not fair…you get the idea. These thoughts don’t always come out of nowhere (although sometimes a run in with good ole’ fashioned PMS can do the trick) Sometimes I do feel wronged or unappreciated. Other people’s behavior is out of my control. However, how I react is within my control. And this, my friends, is the secret. This is also where I struggle!

So – what should we do? How do we pull out of this joyless funk? I can give you a whole list of ideas that might help, but they aren’t always practical. For me, a day with my friends usually perks my mood. However, I’m a busy, working mom and so are my friends. It’s unlikely that calling a friend and planning an immediate get together will happen. Pampering also makes me feel better – a massage or a pedicure is a great way to de-stress – but if I did that every time I lost my joy, I would go broke!

The only immediate answer is prayer.

8 Verses For When You Lose Your Joy

I have found 8 verses that can help shift your focus back to the Creator. There are dozens and dozens of verses that could work, but these are a few of my favorites. Refer to them as much as needed, until your mind immediately pulls up one of these verses when your patience is tested and your joy is lacking.

Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5  I also like the Message translation of this verse “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the trust of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.”

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out every conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Heavenly Father, thank you that despite my current circumstances, I still have many things to be thankful for. Help me remember those things and focus on you, my Creator, who is working everything out for my good, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Despite my negative attitude, you still love me, because your love endures forever. Thank you for helping me get my joy back and for giving me the wisdom I need to succeed. Amen.

What other verses help you out in a time of need?