As I was preparing for this article, I stumbled upon a story on sermoncentral.com that I just had to share with my readers. As the story goes, an architect, Frank Wright, built a beautiful home for an extremely respected man named Edward Hibberd Johnson. One rainy night, in his new home, Edward was entertaining prestigious guests for dinner as the roof began to leak right on this man’s head. Edward immediately called Frank and began by thanking him for such an incredible home. He added that there was just one problem: the roof had begun to leak and directly on his head. Frank’s only reply was this, “Well, Hib, why don’t you move your chair?”

I believe this story has so much insight to lend to us today as we focus on the topic of joy. More specifically, how we handle periods of hardships while remaining joyful and in whom we entrust our joy.

Keeping the above parable in mind, it is safe to say we all have leaks in our lives: trials, troubles, rough patches, and sadness. We all have days like Edward when the sun doesn’t seem to shine and we allow the rain to ruin our day. However, I’m here to reassure you that those who have a house built on Christ—those who own a house of joy—will find that the leaks aren’t as bothersome.

Take time to recall a period of hardship you’ve experienced—at what point did you lose your joy, and who/what took it from you? Chances are it was something worldly: a relationship, a work position, materialism. Perhaps you are in need of redirection! Your joy shouldn’t stem from any of these, but from our God above.

First, if you recognize joy being stolen from your life in a circumstance or by an individual, remove them from your life. If the leak in your home is dripping on your head, move your chair. Do not be passive in demanding the joy you so righteously deserve. Next, be sure to establish with whom you are entrusting your joy. It is through building a relationship with Jesus we find pure joy; He grants us the gift of joy in exchange for our love. The Bible plainly tells us time and time again that by trusting and believing in God alone, He will provide us with all we will ever need. For example, Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ.

To elaborate, those who avidly pursue Christ will experience joy. It is just that simple. He is the source of joy, He is all that encompasses it, and He distributes it through the Spirit to believers. In Galatians, the apostle Paul tells us of nine attributes one will obtain once he/she has accepted Jesus as their Savior through the Holy Spirit, (also known as “The Fruit of the Spirit” throughout the bible). Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. If one builds a house of joy (a life built around Him and Him alone), the leaks in your life seem insignificant and trivial.

I will leave you with this, dear friends: Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you need to, move your chair.