I like being joyful so I was pleased to learn that Jesus wants us to have an abundance of it (John 15:11). It isn’t always easy to experience the fullness of joy though, especially when circumstances are as difficult as they are now. So here are five things that bring me joy when depression tries to creep in.
Sunny Days
One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is that it is sunny almost every day. I find it nearly impossible to be lazy on sunny days; the sunshine pouring in through the windows wakes me up early and compels me to get outside and enjoy it. There is research to support that sunny days are a mood booster and even help us to sleep better at night. That explains why I rise and shine every day, even when I was hoping to sleep in. ☀️
Music
When I am having a bad day, no matter how much I may be despairing, music cheers me right back up. According to research done by the NorthShore University Health System and others, this is just one of the many benefits of listening to music. The best songs to me are those that highlight musical instruments because I love them. Something about being able to identify an instrument even just playing in the background makes me want to play along on my air version of it. Think violins in Kirk Franklin’s Imagine Me. 🎻🙂
Some of favorite praise and worship songs
- No Weapon (Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ)
- Trading My Sorrows (Israel & New Breed)
- Never Let Me Go (Jason McGee & The Choir & Warryn Campbell)
- Hope and a Future (Karen Meeks Johnson)
- Homecoming Glory (Mary Mary)
Laughter
Finding the humor in things brings me joy. Have you ever found something funny at church or in a library or at school where you need to be quiet, but it just makes it even funnier? That would be me all the time. 🤭😄🤭😂 I love to laugh and find an opportunity to do so every day. The Bible teaches us that this is the best medicine.
“A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22
The Beach
There is something about going to the beach that makes me so happy. The sight of the ocean on the horizon causes me to eagerly anticipate the feel of the sand on my feet. The feel of the sand between my toes causes me to anticipate hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the smell of the salt in the air that you can sometimes even taste. It’s a delight for the senses! A day spent at the beach is restorative.
Being a Child of the Most High God
Whenever I feel down, all I have to think about is how God’s thoughts toward me outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:17-18) and that He even knows the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30), and I am reminded what a joy it is to be His child. He is so amazing! 👸🏽🙌🏽
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God [with faith and humility] like a child will not enter it at all.”
Jesus (Luke 18:17 AMP)
What do you think? What things bring you joy? Please comment below.
Thank you 💕
Hey Robyn! I’m going to check out the songs you’ve listed above. And yeah! God really is so amazing! I’m thankful you made this post. It reminds of the many things that also bring me joy in my daily life.
Thank you, Macy! I’m glad to hear it! 😊
Music to me is a changer. Sometimes l find just listening to your favourite worship song and playing the piano makes me realise how close God is, if we take that step. Thanks for an uplifting post!
I agree, and you are welcome! I’m so glad it uplifted you. 😊
Hi Robyn! Proverbs 17:22 is not one I’ve heard often. Reading it now reminded me that I have to take responsibility to find the good things in each day, pray and focus so my spirit doesn’t become dry. Or…my bones. haha. This post is a good reminder that I don’t need to own a bunch of fancy stuff to be joyful.
Gotta say, the ocean astounds me with its beauty but also terrifies me. I’ll keep my feet firmly on the beach thank you. =)
Thank you, Karianne! I am glad that my post helped you refocus on the important things. And I totally understand about the ocean. 😊
This post was so uplifting! Thank you! Sunshine is definitely my number one go to when it comes to things that make me happy! I am not a Christian believer, so I am maybe having some difficulties relating to that part, but the one thing that brings me joy any given time is my children’s laughter!
Thank you, I am glad you were uplifted! Children’s laughter is definitely a joy that I can relate to from teaching. 😊
I love this list so much! It’s great to take time to list the things that make us joyful—then we can thank God for them, and make more time for these things. I’m right there with you on beaches being so restorative. I’m going to go jot down some things that bring me joy. Thank you for the encouragement!
You are welcome! It was fun writing this post for the very reasons you mention. 🙌🏽✝️💜
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