Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #27 — Joy, Joy, Joy

Picture: Counsel #27 — Joy, Joy, Joy CI 127.1

What does it mean to be cheerful when you’re weighed down? Life isn’t always easy. There are seasons of grief, disappointment, stress, or even depression, but femininity that reflects God’s heart finds a way to carry both sorrow and joy, like sunlight breaking through clouds. CI 127.2

Being cheerful doesn’t mean faking a smile or denying your pain. It means anchoring your attitude in hope. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” That kind of joy doesn’t come from circumstances. It comes from choosing to trust God, even when things are dark. A cheerful woman lifts others up, notices small blessings, speaks life into hard days, and brings peace into tense spaces. This type of joy takes discipline, but it can be carried out with the Holy Spirit’s help. Some days will be harder than others, but through prayer, worship, gratitude, and even therapy when needed, joy can be cultivated like a garden.^[135] CI 127.3

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NIV CI 127.4

“Those who abide in Jesus will be happy, cheerful, and joyful in God. A subdued gentleness will mark the voice, reverence for spiritual and eternal things will be expressed in the actions…” Ellen White in The Faith I Live By, p. 226 CI 127.5

Reflect: What daily habits or thoughts might help you radiate more joy, even when life feels heavy? CI 127.6