Written by Jessica Crump of Toronto, ON

Isn’t it interesting how our moods can go from 0 to 100 so quickly? We fail a test, a loved one passes away or things just don’t seem to be going our way. The frustration builds, the jealousy harbours and we are unable to find peace within ourselves, even if we might seem on the outside to have the perfect life.

When our circumstances are doing better than our souls, it is a difficult place to be — we have every reason to praise, but can’t find the willpower to do so. The problem is that if we limit our joy to our situation, then we are limiting God to our human condition.

So, what do you do when you don’t know where your joy went?

1. Don’t give up. Every situation is a stepping stone to a promise. Trust me, problems build perseverance, keep going!

2. Do not compare your life to others. The grass is greener wherever you water it. You do not know how long their night lasted until they saw that morning.

3. Make the decision every day to be content with where you are, be appreciative of the little things, and do not despise small beginnings.

4. Know that ultimately our joy comes from the Lord. If you remain in Him and have faith in Him, you will never be disappointed.

Don’t give up. Every situation is a stepping stone to a promise. Trust me, problems build perseverance, keep going!

I write this to you, dear reader, to encourage you! Life happens, it may hurt you or disappoint you, or else it may be going amazing, but if you keep yourself rooted in Jesus then nothing can sway you.