Are you going through a challenging time, or do you struggle to find joy in your day-to-day life? Maybe you’re dealing with a loss, or maybe feelings of stress and anxiety are overwhelming your thoughts, making it hard to see the positive things happening around you.
Our mission at Pathfinders Pastoral Care Ministries is to help individuals understand their emotions and thoughts and identify healthy ways to meet their needs and manage their feelings.
Finding simple ways to elevate your mood and see the sun through the clouds can help you grow and move through whatever season of life you are in.
1. Look for Reasons to Celebrate
When we are handed a significant loss or challenge, we often feel like we need an equally significant victory. For example, when we lose a job, we won’t be happy again until we have a new one and that void is filled.
While those moments are definitely worth celebrating, they can take longer to achieve. For example, if you lose your job today, it may take you weeks, if not months, to find a new one. In those times, it’s important to find small reasons to celebrate every day. Maybe during this time, you finally completed a house project you’ve been working on for months. Or find silly ways to have fun, like celebrating International Waffle Day on March 25 with a huge waffle breakfast!
Whatever it is, remember – a small win is still a win.
2. Reflect on Your Blessings
Another way to find joy is by focusing on the many blessings God has already given you, your family, and those around you. Even during challenging times, you can still find things for which you are grateful.
Simple blessings – like someone buying you a cup of coffee or a cuddle from your pet – can bring you profound joy when you make time to enjoy them. Or reflect on more considerable blessings like the health of an older family member or neighbor, or having a warm bed and roof over your head every night. Blessings are evidence of God’s work in your life, and they point you toward God, who can give you the joy you need.
Even your next breath is a gift from God; don’t take anything for granted.
3. Find Peace in Scripture
A compass is an instrument used to navigate in a specific direction; let the Bible be your compass toward joy. Scripture is a collection of good thoughts and ideas, and it has the ability to transform our lives.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Filling your mind with God’s messages can help you stay focused on joy in any circumstances. As written in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
4. Focus on Yourself
While finding joy shouldn’t only focus on material objects, taking care of yourself or rewarding yourself can help you rejuvenate your mind. Sometimes, simply dressing up or getting a new haircut can change our outlook. Buy that book that’s been on your “want to read” list or go to dinner at the new restaurant you’ve been interested in. When you are feeling anxious or going through a difficult time, sometimes prioritizing and treating yourself can help you create moments of joy in your life.
Understand Your Feelings
Have you ever been so overwhelmed or stressed out that you felt like you could explode? We have all been there. Releasing those pent-up, negative feelings will enable you to experience other, more positive, emotions.
At Pathfinders Pastoral Care Ministries, our Christian Counseling services offer a healthy outlet for individuals to talk through, release, and understand their feelings. We invite you to contact us to learn more.
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