I love journaling and I loved writing in my diary as a teenager before they were called journals here in the UK, so I thought I’d give this blogging thing a go.

Why ‘Journey to Joy’? The last few years haven’t been easy. There have been more experiences in valleys which almost felt like underground caverns at times than those on the hilltop. However, through it all I have had a faithful companion – Jesus – my Saviour, my Redeemer, my Jehovah Jireh. You can’t get better than that.

With it being a new year our church held a series of prayer meetings. It’s been happening a few years now and this year I wanted to make a special effort to be there – even if it meant bringing Squid and the Ginger Kitten (my boys). I truly believe the prayer meeting is the powerhouse of the church and we have an army of faithful prayer warriors in our fellowship. Just sitting, in the stillness, listening as they boldly approach the throne of grace is indeed a blessing in itself.

So back to the question- that first night of prayer there was an opportunity to share how God had been working in 2018. Of course, I felt the poking on my shoulder of the Holy Spirit, saying, “Go on, tell them about joy,” So, for once, I obeyed the prompting of the comforter.

You see I lost my joy around 13 years ago. I had a very much wanted and longed for baby boy who himself had been an answer to my prayers and cries unto the Lord. But the enemy had crept in at the last minute and robed me with the cloak of Post Natal Depression and therefore robbed me of my joy on this monumental occasion.

Fast forward to 2018 and the Lord has an important lesson to teach me and I’m so thankful that He did. He brought my smile back and He taught me that joy is not just a feeling or emotion but an attitude – it’s up to me and you whether to choose it or not.

So dear reader, I’m asking you to join me on this Journey to Joy with me.

Psalm 94:19 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.