The Kind of Joy That Still Works When Life Is Hard
As we stand on the threshold of a brand-new year, many women are not feeling hopeful—they’re feeling tired.
Tired of trying.
Tired of believing again.
Tired of carrying disappointment, unanswered prayers, and quiet grief into yet another January.
If that’s you, let me say this gently: joy was never meant to be something you manufacture. Joy is not a personality trait, a spiritual personality test, or a denial of pain. Joy—biblical joy—is a defiant, intentional choice to live aware of God’s presence even when life feels heavy.
Several years ago, during an ordinary doctor’s visit, I received advice that changed the way I live. My doctor looked at me and said, “Carol, when you walk, pick up your feet. Don’t shuffle.” He explained that as people get older, they tend to shuffle through life—and that shuffling causes unnecessary falls, instability, and fatigue.
As he spoke, the Holy Spirit whispered something deeper to my heart: Stop shuffling through life. Pick up your heart. Pick up your spirit. Live intentionally.
That moment taught me this truth: you can’t shuffle and live fully at the same time.
Scripture reminds us, “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Notice what the verse does not say. It doesn’t say this is the day the Lord made only if things go well. It doesn’t say rejoice when circumstances cooperate. Rejoicing is presented as a choice—an intentional response to God’s sovereignty over today.
Joy is not ignoring pain. Joy is choosing to live aware of God’s presence rather than imprisoned by your circumstances.
So many women are exhausted because they’re living anywhere but today. Some are trapped in the past—bullied by regret, pain, or loss. Others are consumed by the future—afraid of what might happen, worried about finances, health, relationships, or unanswered prayers. But Scripture calls us back to now.
God says, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
And for those wounded by yesterday, His Word promises, “What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Paul assures us, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
Joy grows when we stop rehearsing what was and stop fearing what might be—and instead choose to partner with God right here, right now.
We serve a God who introduces Himself as I AM. He is present. He is here. And Scripture tells us, “In His presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). When we become more aware of God’s presence than our pain, joy rushes in—not shallow happiness, but soul-deep strength.
Living intentionally doesn’t mean your days suddenly become easy. It means they become purposeful.
You may not get to choose what fills your calendar today, but you do get to choose how you live it. You can work with purpose. Serve with kindness. Forgive when it’s hard. Encourage when you feel empty. Scripture urges us, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23). And again, “Encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today’” (Hebrews 3:13).
One of my favorite ancient quotes says this: “The glory of God is man fully alive.” When you live with intention, hope, forgiveness, and joy—even in pain—you bring God glory. Fully alive doesn’t mean pain-free. It means faith-filled.
As you step into this new year, don’t shuffle. Pick up your feet. Pick up your heart. Choose joy—not because life is easy, but because God is present.
And if your heart feels weary, if you long to become spiritually steady again, I would love to invite you to join the Unshakeable Bible Study. It’s a place to root your faith deeply, to rediscover joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, and to learn how to live anchored in God’s unshakable truth—one day at a time.
You don’t have to walk into this year alone. And you don’t have to shuffle.
Joy is still possible. And it still works—even when life is hard.
In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod invites you to step into the new year with purpose, joy, and wholehearted intention. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, she encourages you to stop shuffling through your days and instead choose how you respond to life’s challenges. You’ll be reminded that you are designed for joy, called to live fully for the unshakable kingdom of Christ, and empowered to let go of past regrets and future worries. Carol also shares devotional resources to help you grow spiritually as you embrace this new season with resolve and hope.
Join us for the Unshakeable Online Bible Study from January 13 to February 17, meeting weekly at 7:00 pm Central/8:00 pm Eastern via Zoom. Whether you attend live or watch the replay, this study will take you on a powerful journey through the foundational truths of faith.
This transformative study explores the essential building blocks of a strong spiritual life, including:
The difference between your soul and your spirit—and why it matters
How to develop a deep and consistent prayer life
What it means to truly trust God in every season
How to read the Bible theologically, historically, and personally for deeper understanding
The role of the Holy Spirit in strengthening your faith
Practical steps to build a life anchored in God’s unshakable truth
If you long for a faith that weathers every storm and grows stronger through life’s challenges, this study will equip and encourage you. Join Carol McLeod for Unshakeable, and discover how to build a life rooted in the unchanging promises of God.