Life is full of many different seasons. There are times of happiness, new life, fresh starts and promotion. Sadly, there are also times of hurt, loss, immense pain, and discouragement. Even in seasons where conditions may not be in your favor, you can still have immeasurable favor and abundant joy.

There have been many times where my day-to-day life has felt so dry, or dull, that I just want to stay in bed and sleep the day away. That certain circumstance still hasn't changed, and everything seems to be in slow mo, which makes it all the more painful. Nothing seems to be different, and I am stuck in this funk. When searching for a way out gets exhausting, that's when I throw in the towel. At this point, I have admitted defeat and given up completely. I have made the decision to be defeated and to forfeit joy. I have the rivers of heaven and the Joy of the Lord to fuel me, but instead, time and time again, I choose my own strength which ultimately ends in defeat. I choose to stay in my desert place when there is a river of abundant life, waiting for me to leap in at anytime. This river is a river of Joy!

Where there is dry and thirsty land in your life, there is still hope. There is a river of endless joy that is always available to you. This river goes beyond feelings and beyond the environment your living in. It's not just wishful thinking or "faking it until you make it". No. Friends, this river is refreshing, and it brings healing to the driest of souls.

"I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs" (Isaiah 41:18).

Joy is a choice and you must choose to walk in it daily. When things are tough, and even when things are going your way, choose joy! We can sit and bask in all the negatives and tragedies of life, or we can be the joy that encourages and helps others find hope again through the cross of Jesus Christ. You see, choosing joy is not just about you, it's about everyone you come in contact with. Yes, even the crabby, bad-mouthed, driver who cut you off in traffic today. There is no need to carry the extra weight and the extra dirt. Let it all go in the river of God. Rinse off, refresh, and be renewed!

No, you are not hallucinating, there really is a spring of joy even in your desert places. It is your choice whether or not to stop throwing yourself a pity party and to dive into the rivers of God. No where in the bible does it say that you must rely on your own strength, and when that doesn't work, you should go ahead and give up. Let me add that I am totally preaching to the choir here (I have definitely thrown my self more pity parties than I can count on one hand). The joy of the Lord must become your strength through every circumstance, good or bad.

"The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving" (Psalm 28:7).

What are you waiting for? The water is great!

Jump into the river of Joy!