Finding Joy


Sometimes, when everything seems chaotic and the world is full of bad news, it is hard to find joy.  Everywhere we look - in the newspapers, on TV, and in the streets - the news is depressing. Recently a new app appeared on my iPad called "Nice News," which reports only good things happening around the world, like someone risking his life to save a person or someone using his wealth to help children get an education.

I'm sure there are good things happening that are not reported, like the families that are taking in Ukrainian refugees and giving them a safe place during the war in Ukraine, or the reporters who risk their lives to make sure we hear the truth about crisis situations, or the astronomers who are discovering such exciting things about galaxies and stars that we never knew existed. 

We need to focus on these happenings instead of the truth-deniers, gun violence, blatant liars, and cruel treatment about whom we see and read. Recognizing the courageous people around the world can be a source of joy. Noticing the beauty of nature can help dispel some of the darkness that surrounds us. Associating with positive and comical people can also lift up our spirits. 

Prayer and meditation can bring a sense of peace and inner joy. Focusing on the blessings we enjoy, the gifts we receive daily - that we take for granted or fail to see - can make us grateful. Listening to music often soothes the spirit and makes us block out the negativity around us.

We need to find things that lift up our drooping spirits and, then, spread the joy. Send love notes or crazy gifts that will make other people smile or laugh. We have to overcome troubled times with hopeful spirits. As Paul reminds us in Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always." (4:4)

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