God is our Joy in the midst of the storm. Therefore, it is important that we make a conscious effort to lay aside the gloom sometimes, and embrace the strength that God gives us when are joyful.
Lighten Up!
In an attempt to lighten the mood over the Corona Virus outbreak, there have been loads of videos and images shared for comic relief. Some of them were genuinely funny even though the current situation is not funny at all.
For our sanity, sometimes it is good to keep things light in the midst of our challenges.
I would like to encourage you not to lose hope, but to remain joyful because being lighthearted can make it easier to cope during this difficult time.
Get Busy!
During this compulsory downtime, I would also like to encourage you to engage in indoor activities that bring you joy.
You could hang out with your family and friends (do it over a video call if necessary), watch movies you like, watch a series you think you will enjoy on Netflix/Prime Videos, reach out to your friends on social media…
You can also take online exercise classes, improve your dance moves, listen to music, watch inspiring videos on YouTube, read a nice book, etc.
Whatever you do this season, do not allow any room for fear or despondency; just keep your joy going by doing the things that bring you joy within the comfort of your home.
Practice Being Joyful
Being cheerful helps when you are sick, but nothing helps when you give up. Proverbs 18:14 CEV.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 GWT
It is important to keep our spirits up, and being joyful actually strengthens us and gives us the courage to keep going when we experience difficulty.
The video below actually came into my Facebook feed earlier and I love it! It helps drive home my point about practicing being joyful in spite of the storm.
Hopefully this video helps you get some practice being joyful at this time. Don’t worry if the joy doesn’t flow while you are it, just give it a go.
Just Do it!
Now go home and have a feast. Share your food and wine with those who don’t have enough. Today is holy to our Lord, so don’t be sad. The joy that the LORD gives you will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10 GNT
Remembering or becoming aware of some of the great things God has done in the past in our lives, as well as in the lives of others, can help make us joyful.
You could read some testimonies in the Bible or watch some more videos on YouTube if you cannot think of many.
My encouragement to you today is that you rejoice in the midst of the storm. Don’t wait till the storm is over. Start now!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV
A Walk on Water Moment with Stella Onogoro
PS: What will you do to remain joyful today? Please let us know in the Comments section.
PPS: To find out about other attributes of “God in the midst of the storm”, or to see my other posts, please follow this link.
PPPS: Did this post encourage you? If yes, please let us know your thoughts in the Comments section below. And please be sure to share this post with your family, friends, and colleagues too.
Good encouragement! ❤️
As for me, God has taught me that I never need to Worry about tomorrow. I survived yesterday. I am alive and dealing with today with God’s help, I can face tomorrow and whatever may come my way.
Therefore, nothing will stop the joy of the Lord from me🙏🏽
Wow!!! those are some very powerful and wise words right there Ma!
Why worry tomorrow when you still have today to deal with? We sometimes forget we got through yesterday and so there is a good chance we will get through today and all the tomorrows we are privileged to have.
It reminds me of something Jesus said that goes something like ” each day has sufficient troubles so why worry”
Thank you so much for your input Ma xx
There are many things in life that promise joy, but deep, abiding joy is only truly found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hmmmm…That is a perfect summary Sis!
Only the joy from God lasts – the joy we get from other sources are only momentary.
Thank you so much for adding this perspective.
I’ve always loved watching movies and reading novels, dancing and listening to music…I’ve had more free time now during this season to enjoy this pastimes even more and it makes my days not just bearable but very enjoyable! Thank you so much for these words of encouragement Stella. You are greatly blessed, highly favoured and deeply loved🙏🏽😊
Awwww I am so glad to hear that you have had time to revisit and your hobbies! I find that doing the things we really love brings a lot of joy into our lives, and I hope you will continue.
We should all definitely borrow a leaf from you and try to re-embrace our hobbies.
Thank you so much for your input.xx