“You know who you remind me of?” she asked.

I thought she was going to say Kirstie Alley. I personally don’t see the resemblance, but at least once a month I have a celebrity sighting. I will be at Target standing in the office supply aisle looking at the post its and pretty colorful  paperclips when a random woman in flip flops and shorts will interrupt me to say.  “Do I know you?”

The first few times this happened, I thought perhaps we attended church or had the same 5th grade teacher. I am terrible with names, but everyone remembers me — because I limp.

So after an awkward exchange, my new fan will usually say, “No, I don’t go to your church.  You know what it is?  You look like that girl from Cheers. What was her name….”

Yep.

Bruce says he is going to dress up like John Travolta for Halloween, and we will win the costume party. (We aren’t actually going to any Halloween parties, but we may just watch Look Whose Talking on Netflix instead.)

But on a memorable day in July, Kendra Schwarz made my day. She did’t say I reminded her of a Scientologist sexpot. She spoke life over my spirit.

“No, you remind me of Joy. Joy from the movie Inside Out. Have you seen it??

Yes. Yes, I have seen it.

And, I’ve lived it.

Over the last 8 years, I’ve battled Fear and pushed past Sadness. I’ve had a few run-ins with Anger, too.

I’ve fought for my joy.

I’ve waged a war against despair and doubt, and I desperately cried out to Jesus for help.

Weeping may come for the night, but joy always shows up on your doorstep in the morning….. if you are brave enough to get up off the couch and open up the door of your crushed heart.

I read your e-mails every week. I cry over your stories. God sees you, precious sisters. You are knee deep in the trenches fighting for your joy. You are walking through the valley and working hard to stay worshipful.

I know you are weary. But the journey is worth it. Your joy is coming. Never give up.

This week, I want to share with you 3 lessons I’ve learned as I look past my pain and press forward toward Jesus. Jesus is our Joy, and He is fighting for you.

3 Ways to Fight for Your Joy

Surrender Your Trust

One of the main reasons I get crabby is because worry consumes me during a crisis. If I stop to really think about the underlying cause, I must confess that I am trying to fix my own problems instead of trusting the Promise Keeper. Experiencing true joy in difficult circumstances starts with embracing the Truth that my all-powerful God will handle my problems.

“But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run—never winded, never weary. They will walk—never tired, never faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, VOICE)

Celebrate Your Triumph

The enemy of your soul wants you to think you are a washout, a has-been, and an impostor. He is constantly trying to cover you with shame and cloud your perspective with fear and doubt. Friend, remember who you are. You belong to the King of Kings. You are a warrior princess in God’s army. He has rescued you from the pit of hell, and His banner over you is love. Your enemy is a vanquished foe, and the victory is certainly coming.

“Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May the Lord fulfill all your requests.” (Psalm 20:5, CSB)

Sing Your Thanks

Sister, get your praise on as much as possible. Worry and worship cannot co-exist. I personally love using my fancy dancy smart phone as a defensive weapon in spiritual warfare by pushing the play button on my “Faith on Fire” Spotify playlist.

“Let them present to Him thanksgiving sacrifices and tell stories of His great deeds through songs of joy.” (Psalm 107:22, VOICE)

God wants you to live an abundant life, and you must never settle for anything less. Your joy is not found in your circumstances. Your day may be clouded with uncertainty, but you can push back the darkness and let the light of His love brighten up your heart and mind.

Be a joy fighter.

I’ve created a one-page printable with 8 Joy Fighter Verses to help you get started. Download a copy and read through these sweet promises every morning to remind you the joy of the Lord is your strength. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

One glorious day soon, we will stand with arms lifted high in the presence of our Savior, and our hearts will erupt with unimaginable joy. (I don’t think there are enough emojis in the world to celebrate the awesomeness of heaven.). But friends, as we fight for joy, we can bring heaven to earth. Jesus is here and alive in our hearts.  He longs to fill us with His joy.  As we linger with Him, we experience the fullness of joy today.

Joy in us will rise up and spill over all around us. Our joy will lift others up, and together we will link arms and make a difference by living out the love of Christ in this heartbreaking world.

The Eternal is the source of my strength and the shield that guards me. When I learn to rest and truly trust Him, He sends His help. This is why my heart is singing! I open my mouth to praise Him, and thankfulness rises as song. (Psalm 28:7, VOICE)

Let His joy rise up as a sweet victory song in you. Never give up, warrior princess.  Your God wants you to make melody in your heart and watch Him do the miraculous.

Face a hard day by fighting with joy.

Want to go deeper and grab hold of defiant joy? Check out my coaching services to help you rekindle a spiritual transformation or refuel with rest and soul care.

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