I was talking with a friend recently about something that keeps catching my attention.
It’s the theme of “joy”.
A friend is painting something beautiful centered around it.
Another is releasing her very first song anchored in Nehemiah 8:10.
Books are coming out with joy woven through the pages.
Conversations keep circling back to it.
It’s even in the book I have coming out March 10th!
It’s everywhere right now! I’m loving it!
And I just keep thinking… What is God doing?
When the same theme starts rising in different spaces, through different people, who don’t all know each other… I don’t think that’s random. I can’t help but wonder what is in store for the people of God when this is the common thread being woven together by the Creator of the universe.
It feels like preparation. Not hype or surface-level positivity… But something deeper… steadier.
And honestly, that’s why I wrote about it in A Pace of Grace.
Life isn’t easy and Trials and hardships will come to each of us. But there is good news, my friends: the joy of the Lord is not dependent on our circumstances. Joy in the Lord flows from the Holy Spirit within us.
Life is full of both mountaintops and valleys; yet the joy that can only come from the Lord remains constant. Scripture reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10). This is a deep, sustaining joy that steadies us even in hardship.
When trials come, we don’t have to pretend they don’t hurt. Instead, we lean into a God who promises His presence, peace, and strength. That’s the part I love.
There isn’t a need to pretend or fake it. We don’t slap a Bible verse on pain and call it healed. Joy is not denial. It’s anchoring. Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4) — and he wrote that from prison. His rejoicing didn’t mean chains weren’t real. It meant God was bigger than them. That feels so important in this season.
Joy is not the same thing as happiness. Happiness comes and goes. It rises and falls with circumstances. It’s tied to outcomes. Joy is different. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit because it comes from the Lord. It cannot be created or willed into existence.
Joy is knowing God is faithful even when you don’t understand the storyline. Joy is being able to whisper, “It is well with my soul,” while still admitting, “This is hard.” Pain and joy can sit at the same table.
And I wonder if that’s what God is strengthening in His people right now; a steady, Spirit-formed joy that can hold weight. Maybe we’re being prepared. Maybe joy is the foundation for what’s coming next. Maybe before new assignments, new doors, new growth… He is rooting us deeper. And if that’s true, I want it!
I want to be rooted in Christ.
I want to radiate His beauty.
I want to walk into whatever is next with a spirit that is steady — not because life is calm, but because He is.
If you’ve been sensing this theme too… lean in. Pay attention. Ask Him what He’s strengthening in you… And the surrender and walk in obedience! “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms 30:5 NLT
Book Release - 2.5 Weeks!!
If you’re longing for that kind of steady joy, that’s exactly why I wrote A Pace of Grace: Steadying Your Spirit When Life Is Messy.
This book isn’t about trying harder or smiling through chaos. It’s about learning to anchor your heart in truth when everything around you feels uncertain.
If this message resonates, I’d love for you to grab a copy. You can find it here:
https://amzn.to/4auvrM0
Upcoming Speaking Engagement
I’m speaking at the Faith in the Little Years Summit on Day 3, Sunday, March 8th at 10AM EST about Grace in the Chaos: Seeking God when Motherhood feels overwhelming. You’re invited!
Get all the details and grab your free ticket here https://heyheather--amanda-stores.thrivecart.com/raising-littles-with-purpose-pack-after/698cdf409b368/ !