Joy in the Journey

Finding Light in Every Step

In a world that pushes us to focus on the destination—the goal, the success, the healing—it's easy to forget the beauty of the journey itself. We’re conditioned to believe that joy is something we’ll find at the end, waiting for us like a prize after we’ve endured the struggle. But what if joy was never meant to be something we “get to” one day? What if it’s something we’re meant to experience along the way?

The other day I was thinking about how Scripture mentions that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Strength is a resource to complete a task, to accomplish things, so maybe joy is a resource to help us in our healing, not a reward after we’re done healing.

Photo by Michal Pechardo on Unsplash

The truth is, that joy should be woven into every part of our lives—especially the parts where we think it doesn’t belong. In the moments when we’re working through the hardest things, joy can be the little flame that reminds us of the goodness still present, even when things feel uncertain or difficult.

The Beauty of Joy in the Process

We often wait for life to be perfect before we allow ourselves to feel joy. We wait for the full healing, the finished project, the ideal circumstance. But joy isn't just the final burst of light at the end of the tunnel; it’s the soft glow that can guide us through the darkest parts. It’s the resource that helps us take the next step when we’re weary. It shows up in small

moments—a deep breath after a long day, in the pages of your favorite book, in laughter shared with a friend.

It’s important to remember that joy doesn’t diminish your challenges—it uplifts you through them. It’s a gentle reminder that, while we work through the hard parts of our lives, there is still a part of us that deserves to experience good things.

A Question to Reflect On

What moments of joy are already present in your journey? How can you lean into those moments, even in the midst of the process?

Journaling Activity for Self-Reflection:

Take a moment today to reflect on your journey—where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. Write down three things that have brought you joy, no matter how small. It could be a smile from a stranger, a song that made you feel something or a moment of peace. Then, ask yourself how these moments have sustained you through the ups and downs of life.

Wishing you joy in every step of your journey,

Kobe