My old pastor said when you first come to know the Lord, life seems like all joy, all the time. Then you somehow hit a wall, and it feels like all pain. Eventually you realize that life is joy in the midst of pain. Joy isn’t fleeting happiness. It’s a real, yet sometimes indescribable life-giving connection to the eternal.
There is terrible teaching out there that if you're really walking with God, you won't suffer. If you're going through rough times, obviously it means you're in sin. Their favorite verse is: "God will never give you more than you can handle", which is found nowhere in Scripture. God often allows more than we can handle because we need Him.
Many of us have experienced an unshakable anchor of joy—and possibly even some healthy laughter--in the midst of some of the darkest times in our lives. God gives us small “release valves” that keep us afloat in the floods. They help us cling to the still spot in a spinning universe. To be able to fly into the eye of a hurricane. To experience the security of an anchor that holds within the veil.
You don't need to search to find the suffering. Believe me, it will find you. We are promised suffering. Life is definitely not all rainbows and unicorns. But we are also promised joy, although sometimes we have to hunt earnestly for it.
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19)
Our security, hope, and joy are anchored in the reality of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. But God gives us glimpses of joy along the way to hold onto when we can't quite grasp eternity.
What brings you joy? It's a vitally serious question. A lot of people have no idea what brings them joy. Without joy, our soul shrivels. Our candle flickers. Our heart hardens.
Simple joys:
A beautiful sunrise or sunset.
A great book.
Baby laughter.
Grandchildren.
The glory of creation.
The power of music.
The freedom of dance.
Worship.
Love. Love in all its manifestations.
The perfect basketball shot.
Creating something with our hands.
A good day’s work.
Being of service.
What is a memory that brings you joy? It doesn't have to be your greatest memory. Just something that brings you joy when you remember it. What happens when you recall that treasure? It strengthens you. We all have rough patches, but we have experiences, relationships, memories, and supportive words that bolster us in the storms.
Search for joy. Tending to your soul is not selfish. If I don't intentionally fill my tanks, I will crash and burn when the tides turn. It is what will keep you from falling apart when everything hits the fan. Joy and beauty are healing. They drive those roots deep so the winds will not flatten you.
My friends know some of my “joy anchors”: being in the ocean, being on the ocean, being near the ocean, laughter, animals, friendship, creation, seeing people draw near to Jesus…
Holding onto joy is not a fluffy Hallmark card. It is an essential spiritual practice. It is a spark of life, perhaps a very tiny glowing ember. A reminder that we are held and loved by Someone who knows us, sees us, and invites us to lean into Him.
May you find your unique joys and hold them tight no matter what life brings.
Life is tossing a lot at me right now. We will be wrapping up Psalm One Ministries within the next few months. You can only imagine all the emotions I am experiencing. I am flooded by wonderful memories and the faces of all the men and women who have been drawing near to God with us for the past 26 years. The Lord has opened doors and used us “in Oregonia, and in all Ohio and the United States, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8, Revised Kline Version)
“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” (John 15:16)
Please pray as I transition into the next chapter. I don't think God is quite finished with me yet. May the fruit of Psalm One remain and grow. Thank you for coming along with us.
Grace and peace,
Linda
Our LAST Refocus and Refuel Retreat is coming up quickly: March 27-29 in Cincinnati. I’d love for you to join me. This is for MEN and WOMEN, anyone who wants a deeper walk with Jesus. Especially renewing for those in vocational ministry. Time, space, and encouragement to step off the world’s whack-a-mole. Jesus’ gentle invitation to rest, remember, reflect, resolve, reprioritize, receive, then reboot. Spots are limited so sign up by March 13. For more info and to register: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel
The Psalm One Bible Study is 26 years old today!!! We will continue to meet until summer, so MEN and WOMEN are invited to join us every Tuesday at 7:30 pm ET. To stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study
The 2026 Green Lake Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Pastors’ Wives Retreat April 10-12 is full but let me know if you would like to join a waiting list or stay in the loop for our weekly Thursday gatherings. https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives
Some of you just returned from traveling with me (vicariously) to Africa. Wasn't it an incredible journey? Lions, elephants, giraffes, and even that amazing gift of the leopard cubs! God will continue to use the travel, photography, stories, wacky encounters, and divine appointments to encourage, challenge, and teach us. The Lord has many more journeys in store. If you want to come along with me as God whispers, “Say YES” and “Adventure lies ahead”, let me know and I will pack you into my carry-on. If you will pray for me on my travels, I will share photos, videos, and adventure with you. Contact me if you want to come along with me. England, Australia, New Zealand, back to Africa, and beyond…
Yes, Aussies and Kiwis, I will be down under July, August, and September. She’s coming back again like a boomerang!