A Joy Starter
Recently, my husband and I were watching a movie. During one intense scene, I could feel the tension rising. I wanted to close my eyes in anticipation of what was coming next. But even as the tension grew, I realized: it wasn’t just the scene itself creating the tension. It was the music.
Have you ever tried watching a movie without a soundtrack? No score to draw you into the tension, triumph, heartbreak, or wonder. A movie without music would lose its appeal. There would be little to guide our emotions, set the mood or reveal the heart of the story.
Music is powerful!
What part does music play in your life? What song(s) from your playlist do you have on repeat right now?
Can’t Steal My Joy (Josiah Queen; feat. Brandon Lake) has been on mine. Yesterday it even had me up on my feet, dancing, in the park. Yep - ME - conservative Mennonite that I am. (disclaimer: I did check first to see whether anyone was in close proximity. The coast was clear.)
Having it on repeat has caused me to reflect:
Who/what steals my joy?
Who/ what sparks my joy?
As I look through Scripture, I see those who choose joy, not in ease, but in the midst of difficulty.
Paul and Silas, beaten and imprisoned, sang worship songs at midnight.
The prophet Habakkuk who declared:
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”
Habakkuk 3:17–18
Or the Apostle Paul, describing his ministry life.
“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
2 Corinthians 6:10
Here’s what I’m learning:
Joy isn’t just a feeling - it’s a choice.
Joy is not grounded in circumstances, but rooted in Christ.
If your life is anything like mine, you’re facing challenges— both inside and outside of ministry. In children’s ministry, the joy of seeing young hearts grow in faith is sometimes paired with a lack of volunteers, tight budgets, demanding schedules, or discouraging circumstances. The weight is real. The work is hard.
But even here - especially here - there’s always an invitation to choose joy.
Our lives will always carry both demands and delights, hardships and celebrations. But the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and nothing can steal that joy when it’s anchored in Him.
Lift up your eyes.
Fix them on Jesus.
He’s where the joy is.
AND - if you’re looking for a joy starter to add to your calendar…
We’re celebrating the 10th annual Awesome Kidmin Conference with the theme: Anchored in Celebration.
Together, we’ll reflect on God’s faithfulness—past, present, and future. You’ll be encouraged by great speakers, be refreshed in your calling and be blessed by the community of like minded people.
Until then: Keep serving. Keep songs that encourage you on repeat, and keep choosing joy.