March 14"Choosing Joy When Life Gets Messy"

Theme: Finding Contentment in Imperfect Moments

Camile Beckford Johnson
Savannah SDA Church

 Key Scripture: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Life is messy. Plans fall apart, relationships face challenges, and unexpected struggles leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Maybe right now, you’re in a season where nothing is going the way you hoped. You’re carrying burdens no one sees, trying to hold everything together while feeling like you’re falling apart inside.

I understand because I’ve been there, too. I’ve had days where the weight of responsibilities, unmet expectations, and hurtful words made joy feel out of reach. I’ve wrestled with frustration, wondering why life couldn’t just be easier. But in those moments, I’ve also seen how God meets us in the mess, how He whispers His love in the middle of chaos and offers peace when everything feels unsteady.

James 1:2-3 offers us a challenging perspective: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

At first, this seems unrealistic. How can we be joyful when we feel exhausted, hurt, or uncertain about the future? But James isn’t telling us to pretend everything is fine or to force a smile when life is hard. He is inviting us to find joy within our struggles, not because of them, but because of what God is doing through them.

1. Joy is Not the Same as Happiness

Happiness depends on circumstances. It’s easy to be happy when life is good, when the bills are paid, relationships are thriving, and things go as planned. But joy? Joy is a different story. Happiness fades when life gets tough; joy remains because it’s rooted in Christ.

Happiness is a feeling that comes and goes; joy is a choice we make each day.

Happiness relies on what’s happening around us; joy comes from knowing God is with us, no matter what.

So how do we choose joy when life is messy?

Shift Your Perspective: Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, ask yourself:

  What is God teaching me in this season?

 How is He growing my faith through this challenge?

When we stop fighting the mess and start looking for God’s hand in it, we realize that even in our struggles, He is working on something good. When we totally depend on Him for the next meal, the next breath, the word to speak, then and only then, will we realize what we have and how much He is in the midst of everything. 

I had a personal experience with a messy situation, and while I was drowning in pain and anguish, I asked God to take me through it in His timing. It was a horrible experience, and while I wouldn’t want to go through it again, the joys I received in becoming a better person, a better Christian, a better mother, a better wife, and more than anything, a better person is the greatest joy of my life. 

I encourage you, use every messy situation and turn them into a message that brings someone hope, that brings someone joy. 

2.     Find Joy in Small Blessings

It’s easy to miss the little gifts God places in our lives when we’re focused on what’s going wrong. But even in the most challenging seasons, there are glimpses of His goodness if we take the time to notice.

A warm hug from a loved one.

A kind word from a friend.

 A sunrise that reminds you of God’s faithfulness.

I remember a time when my relationship with my husband felt strained, and every conversation seemed to lead to frustration. I was so focused on the pain that I didn’t see the small ways he was still trying—his patience on my hardest days, the way he showed up even when we didn’t see eye to eye. When I chose to focus on those small blessings, my heart softened, and joy began to replace bitterness.

Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for, even if they seem small. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s already present.

3. Stay Rooted in Christ

When life is unpredictable, our emotions can feel like a rollercoaster. But God never changes. He is steady, faithful, and constant, no matter what storms come our way.  

Prayer: Talk to Him, even when you don’t have the words. Just sit in His presence.

Worship: Let songs of praise remind you of who He is. Worship lifts our eyes above our circumstances.

 God’s Word: His promises bring hope. When you feel lost, anchor yourself in Scripture.

There was a season when I felt emotionally drained, barely making it through the day. I would read the Bible but feel numb. Yet I kept showing up—praying, worshipping, and reading—even when I didn’t feel it. And slowly, God’s presence filled the empty spaces. He met me there, in the middle of my exhaustion, and gave me the strength to keep going.

Set aside 10 minutes a day to read Scripture, pray, or simply be still before God. Let Him fill you with peace

Prayer: Father, I confess that it’s hard to choose joy when life feels overwhelming. But I know that true joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances, it’s found in You. Help me to trust Your plan, to see the blessings in my life, and to fix my heart on Your unchanging love. Fill me with Your peace and strength today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

No matter what season you’re in, you are not alone. God is with you. And in Him, you can find joy, even in the mess.