Life is filled with many dark and hard days. And yet pockets of joy remain. But we must intentionally seek out, cultivate, and receive the many joys God provides to grace our days.
To be sure, the demands of life often keep us in survival mode. And taking time to savor the little pleasures of life seems like a luxury we cannot afford.
Pain and suffering are also constant reminders of the many things not as they should be in this world. And it seems naïve, or perhaps insensitive and tone deaf, to relish in moments of delight when so much heartache and grief surround us, and those we care about.
But we’re in a battle for our hearts. And fighting for these pockets of joy is part of our resistance.
The thief of goodness seeks to steal, kill, and destroy all the beauty and joy of life – leaving our souls dark and barren. We courageously stand against him by defiantly practicing joy even when everyone else has given up hope.
For instance, this might simply be taking a moment to enjoy a sunset, chat with a friend, savor a meal, have a good laugh, or bask in sexual ecstasies. Whatever it looks like, as a pocket of joy, it’s simply a moment to slow down and enjoy the good God has given us. It doesn’t eliminate the struggles and hardships of life, but it refuses to let these be the only voices in our story.
And certainly we should fight for more than just a pocket every chance we get. But holding on even to these small moments is a huge victory for many.
It’s all too easy to be swallowed up in despair without regular moments of joy to anchor our souls.
In the end, life comes with many sobering realities. Thoughtfully engage in all that demands your attention, while fighting for many pockets of joy along the way.
Photo by Genessa Panainte on Unsplash
