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How do you remain hopeful while waiting on God? When life feels insufferable, there’s no better time to release disappointment and choose joy.

You see, while it’s important to notice your feelings, you don’t want to stay there. If you only focus on the discomfort you’re feeling now, you’ll miss out on the gift of the journey.

Oftentimes, the journey is the opportunity to develop into someone who can rise to the occasion of what you’re praying for. What feels like a delay may be God getting ready to blow your mind and exceed every expectation.

When you learn to embrace the journey more than the destination, you’ll be able to show up for your life without disappointment weighing you down. Allow me to share a few ways to keep going, even when the waiting makes you weary.

 

Invite Joy In

There’s something about sitting with your feelings, acknowledging the tension in your body, and releasing it all with a deep exhale. It symbolizes the ability to surrender; to let go of what you can’t control and trust that God will carry you through it. How you respond in these moments matters so much. Instead of keeping your eyes on the days passing you by, open your eyes to all that is going on around you. Joy can be found in the little things. Seek out the things you enjoy, whether it be a good book, a favorite song, or a long walk in nature. You might find that as you search for the good, the good will find you.

Lighten Your Load with Laughter

According to an article from Verywell Mind, laughter has many benefits, including increased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and improved sleep. As Scripture says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22). It will serve you well to laugh out loud. That funny movie you haven’t seen in years? Watch it. That hilarious friend who’s always making you laugh until you cry? Spend time with them. Give yourself a break from constant worry and anxious thoughts. You are worthy of joy, even when things are hard. You deserve to “laugh without fear of the future.” (Proverbs 31:25)

Find Hope Again

I know it’s easy to be optimistic when the sun is shining. When everyone’s healthy, when your kids are acting right, when you’re thriving in your career. But when it feels like nothing is going as planned, it’s tempting to want to jump ahead to better times. The hard truth is, tomorrow is not promised. Don’t allow disappointment to keep you from being present in this season. Instead, try to live life from a place of gratitude. You’ll find it easier to be mindful of what you currently have in your hands rather than longing for what you don’t have.

Remember, you can choose joy every step of the way.

I know there are moments when it’s difficult to find anything to be happy about. The pressures of life can cause a frown to be a permanent fixture on your face. But in this journey, there will be hardship. God still advises you and me to take heart because He knows what it means to walk through tough times. (John 16:33) Still, peace, His peace, is available to you.

So, what are you going to do while you wait on God? You can either be swept away by the rain or learn to dance in the rain. If you ask me, my friend, you owe it to yourself to dance.

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Pouring into passions
  • Holding on to hope
  • Doing away with distractions

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Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. In choosing joy, how can you make the most of this season?
  2. What hobbies and interests can you explore as you wait on God?
  3. How can you lean into your faith in God during this time?

 

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