Joy

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy!” (Romans 15:13)

What does joy mean to me in this season of life?

Joy means progress—real, tangible growth. Not just in knowledge, but in becoming. In being transformed, day by day, into the image of Christ. Joy is found in spiritual maturity—not only in understanding the Word, but in yielding to the Spirit as He trains me in the disciplines that shape eternity: prayer, worship, fasting, obedience, and quiet trust.

Joy means encounter—not a distant familiarity with God, but a living, breathing relationship. I don’t want to settle for yesterday’s revelations or secondhand testimonies. I hunger for fresh manna. New encounters. Present-day evidence that He walks with me and speaks with me still.

Joy means hearing His voice—and stewarding that privilege with discipline. It’s learning to quiet the noise, lean in, and recognize His whisper. It’s cultivating the sacred rhythm of listening and obeying.

Joy also means freedom—to be the woman He created me to be, wholly and unapologetically, yet always honoring Him. It is the joy of being known and loved. The joy of walking in divine health. The joy of companionship—of being surrounded by friends who sharpen and uplift, who run the race beside me with eyes fixed on the same prize.

And so, as I read these words—“May the God of hope fill you”—I turn them into prayer:

Lord, fill me. Fill my life with people—godly companions to walk this road with. Fill me with purpose that burns from Your heart. Fill me with Your Word, alive and active within me. Fill my heart with the dreams You dream for me. Let my life chase after the things that matter to You. Make me a living testimony of Your joy.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen