Find Joy in Unlikely Places

“joy.” When it comes to celebrating joy, I am reminded of Habbakuk 3:17-18... “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in the God of my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength: He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to go on the heights.” The context of this passage comes from Israel being devastated by their enemies in which they lost all their crops of corn, livestock and other forms of food. Habbakuk, though in a desperate state, chose to determine that his joy came from God, regardless of the circumstances surrounding him. Like Heidi, he chose to find joy in the midst of difficulty. Christmas is the time of year in which hardships seem to be amplified; the loss of loved ones, financial strain, layoffs, relationship stress, and even the colder weather we may encounter in southern Saskatchewan. However, Christmas, truly, is the time to find joy in the midst of those difficulties. The birth of Jesus is a significant symbol of joy for all if we will see it. He came to this earth to bring love, joy, hope and peace to us! And his life was an offering poured out for you and me to come into a full and living relationship with Him! Now, in the season of anticipation, we celebrate not only His birth but the assurance of His love in our everyday circumstances. I pray you will choose to find true joy in unlikely places. God bless you!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.