prayer – Jars of Joy LLC

Finding Joy No Matter Your Circumstances

“One of the surest measures of our spiritual maturity is what it takes to rob us of our Spirit-bestowed joy.” John MacArthur

We recently did a John MacArthur study of Philippians at church, and this quote from the study guide hit me…HARD. I wrote in the margin: “What does it take for me to lose joy? What does that say about my faith?”

If I’m being honest, it’s often silly inconveniences, like when I’m trying to cook a nice meal and it’s a complete Pinterest fail.

But seriously, why do I let circumstances, big and small, steal my joy? What makes you lose your joy? Is it…

When you’re stopped by a train on the way to something important?
When the kids are fighting?
When you don’t get the job?
When a friend says or does something hurtful?
When you receive a difficult health diagnosis?

I’ve been thinking through ways to combat my loss of contentment and less-than-godly attitude. Maybe this will help you, too, sister. Here’s what I’ve got:

Pray for someone who is going through a bigger trial than you are. This helps give perspective when we think we’ve “got it bad”. It also lifts to the Lord a friend who is in need.
Imitate other Christian women who exemplify joy despite life’s circumstances. Who is that for you? Think of a wise, spiritual role model who’s been through the fire.
Remember God’s faithfulness in the past. For me at least, my loss of joy is often short-sighted because I just see the here and now. But, if I call to mind how God has worked in my life through difficult times before, I am at peace; He has me (and you) in His hands.
Make a list of things you’re thankful for. Someone recently suggested to me that if you’re finding yourself down, go through the alphabet and try to think of a blessing for every letter, A-Z.
Get in the Word. Seems simple, but so important. Philippians is a fantastic book and Paul is an excellent example of joy; he faced being shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and so much more, yet he found contentment.

Overall, the key is to get your attention off whatever is stealing your joy and focus it on God and others. Not easy—but we’re on this journey together, friend. 🙂

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

Your Season Has a Purpose

As winter hangs on, I find myself longing for spring. I’m eagerly anticipating warmer weather, tulips, and all things pastel. But I’ve been wondering, am I too eager for the next season? Am I missing the beauty of the here and now, like the way the snow glitters in the sunlight, or the magnificent sunsets God paints in the evening? Yes, sometimes I am.

This can be true in life, too. I’m getting to the age now (can’t believe I’m using that phrase) where I can look back on my life and see definite seasons. There were seasons of hard times that I wished would pass. There were things that I longed for so much so that I didn’t keep my eyes focused on what God had in front of me.

Can you relate?

I wish I could tell you that your life will soon be rainbows and sunshine, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Life isn’t as predictable as spring, summer, fall, and winter, is it? Here’s one thing I know, though: Your season has a purpose.

Scripture teaches us that the Lord works out everything to its proper end (Proverbs 16:4), and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Friend, God wastes nothing.

If you’re in a difficult season right now, it will likely pass with time. However, let me be clear that Jesus didn’t die to give us worldly happiness. He doesn’t promise you will get the job promotion or have the baby you’ve been longing for. But, He does call us to cast our anxiety on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Notice Paul tells us to consider it joy. It’s not naturally joyful to face a trial, but we should find joy in knowing we will be strengthened in our faith through it.

So, I encourage you to get on your knees and in your Bible. Your hardship is God’s invitation to a closer relationship with Him. I can think of nothing more beautiful about this season and no greater purpose for it.

5 Ways to Focus on Faith with a Busy Schedule

You hustle hard all day long between your 9-5, helping the kids with homework, and doing the ever-growing heap of laundry. When is there time for your faith with such a crazy schedule?

I’ve wondered the same thing.

Here’s the cold hard truth that I discovered, though: There is no season with more time than another; life is always going to be busy.

You’re probably thinking, “Ashley, I thought you were going to solve my problem. Thanks a lot!”

Hold up, friend. The reality is that we must make time for Bible study. There is no substitute for focused time in His Word regularly. For me, it means getting up earlier and starting with my quiet time. Otherwise, I get sucked into my task list. What’s that time for you? You can find resources to help you in my blog called “Three Resources for Better Bible Study”.

Ok, that’s enough tough love for today. 😉

As promised, here are five tips for staying focused on Jesus throughout your busy day. When implemented, you will feel uplifted and refreshed.

1. Listen to sermons or podcasts. You can do so while you make dinner, on your lunch break, or when you’re showering. If you find yourself distracted, the beauty is you can listen again and again to get the most out of each teaching. I recommend sermons by John MacArthur, as well as messages from Emmanuel Community Church.

2. Trade screen time for Jesus time. If you’re like me, you’re tempted to grab your phone and scroll through social media whenever you have a few minutes. But what would our lives look like if we spent that time in God’s Word? For help staying accountable, try an app like the iPhone’s “Screen Time” to limit your focus on the phone. Don’t know what to read? Find out what passage your pastor will be preaching from on Sunday and read it throughout your week.

3. Start a prayer journal. This might sound like more work, but I want you to focus on writing down and praying for just three things a day. Use your phone, a notebook or whatever is convenient for you. Don’t know what to pray about? Try the JOY method:

JESUS – Thank Him for the blessings in your life and praise Him for who He is.
OTHERS – Lift up a friend or family member in prayer. Chances are someone has requested you pray for them recently. Go with that.
YOURSELF – What’s on your mind/heart? Is there any unconfessed sin weighing you down?

Pray when you’re waiting to pick up your kids from practice, when you’re getting ready in the morning, or when you’re packing lunches. The best part is you will be able to look back at your journal and see the ways God has answered.

4. Listen to Christian music. I do this while I’m working, especially when I am having a particularly bad day. You will be amazed what it does for your mood. Music is also a great companion while you drive or work out. The song lyrics will get stuck in your head and encourage you for days to come. If you don’t have a Christian radio station in your area, try using an app like K-LOVE or Spotify.

5. Memorize Scripture. Again, this may seem like just another task, but it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Don’t know where to start? Check out Bible Gateway’s verse of the day or follow @bible_verses365_ on Instagram; commit to memorizing just one of those verses a week. Or, check out our sets of 52 Scripture cards, designed to help you memorize verses for a year. Display them on your night stand, desk, fridge, mirror, or anywhere you will frequently see them.

Overall, the key is multi-tasking, time replacement, and short but frequent times with the Lord throughout your day. Let the above ideas act as a springboard for your Bible study time. You’ve got this, sister!