You Were Created for Joy

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

God created our brains in an incredible way. And one thing we're learning from science is that shame and joy can affect how we think, feel, and connect with others in very different ways.

Shame pulls us away from connection.

Think about what happens when you feel ashamed of something you've done or something about yourself.

You might want to hide, avoid people, or replay your mistakes over and over in your mind. Shame can make you feel like you're not worthy of love, acceptance, or even being close to God.

And when we're caught up in those thoughts, it becomes harder to experience the very things we need most—love, encouragement, and connection.

I think that's one reason the enemy loves using shame. It can convince us to pull away from God and others when we need them most.

Joy draws us toward connection.

Positive experiences of joy, love, and belonging can help our brains feel safer and more open to connecting with others.

But here's something important I want you to understand: Joy isn't the absence of pain or difficult circumstances.

Real joy comes from knowing that God is with us, that He loves us, and that nothing can separate us from His love.

You can experience grief and still have joy. You can be going through a difficult season and still find reasons to rejoice. You can be struggling with something in your life and still experience God's goodness.

Joy doesn't require a perfect life. It comes from trusting a faithful God.

Psalm 118:24 is especially meaningful to me because it was my mom's favorite Bible verse.

She said it often, and I can still remember her saying it while lying in a hospital bed, facing some very difficult health challenges.

Her circumstances certainly weren't something to celebrate, but she still chose to rejoice in the day God had given her.

That has stayed with me.

My mom was such a beautiful example of someone who understood that joy isn't dependent on everything going well. She knew that even on the hardest days, God was still good and there were still reasons to be thankful.

And that's what I want you to remember today.

When Scripture tells us to rejoice in the day the Lord has made, it doesn't mean we have to pretend everything is wonderful.

It doesn't mean we ignore our pain, deny our struggles, or force ourselves to feel happy.

It means we can acknowledge what's hard while still recognizing what's good.

Maybe today isn't going the way you hoped. Maybe you're disappointed in yourself, worried about someone you love, or carrying something painful from your past.

You can bring all of that to God.

And you can also look for the ways He's showing you His love today.

Maybe it's through a conversation with a friend, a beautiful sunrise, a moment of laughter, or simply the peace that comes from remembering you're not facing life alone.

Shame wants you to focus on everything that's wrong with you. Joy reminds you to focus on what's true about God.

You don't have to earn the right to experience joy. And you certainly don't have to get everything right before you can rejoice.

God loves you right now, and He is with you right now.

So today, instead of allowing shame to keep you focused on your mistakes or shortcomings, ask God to help you recognize His goodness.

You were created for joy, for love, and for connection with Him and others.

Don't let shame convince you otherwise.

Something to Think About

When you feel ashamed or disappointed in yourself, do you tend to pull away from God and others?

What helps you reconnect with God and remember His love for you?

Today, look for three things that bring you joy or remind you of God's goodness. They don't have to be big things. Take a moment to thank Him for each one.

And if today is especially difficult, remember that you don't have to pretend to be happy. You can bring your sadness to God and still trust that He is good.

Joy isn't about having a perfect day. It's about remembering that God is present in whatever kind of day you're having.