As a child I smiled readily—not from external happiness but from deep-within joy. There, with what I can only call infused grace, God redeemed the most difficult moments of my childhood—continually reminding me he was bigger than my circumstances. Now when life presses and I ask, “Lord, what do you most want from me?” He reiterates, Joy, my child—joy.
Too often, we look for joy outside ourselves—in all the wrong places. The world dangles lures before us. But real joy goes deeper. Jesus says joy comes from keeping his commandments. We may balk. “Really, Jesus? No sex outside of marriage? No gossiping about annoying people? Going to Mass every week? This equals complete joy?”
Yes. God’s commandments aren’t rules to stifle freedom but loving protection from what kills our souls and robs our true joy.

Kathleen, thank you for bringing a smile to my face, may I share it with everyone. Vicky G, Stormi and Salina, please know that you are all in my prayers as well as everyone who needs an extra hug today. May the Lord be with us all.

Vicky G...I knew the first time I ever read one of your posts, that you were smiling while you were writing it! Even through your surgeries, procedures, Garrett's accident and his rehab, the tragedy of Andrew losing Jennifer ~ joy in God's trust still filtered through your words, we heard the hope and your belief that His peace would be with you. Grief is so tricky, everyone grieves differently and those of us who are trying to "be there" for them feel helpless in not being able to ease their pain and anger. I know there's different phases of grief....
Read more

Oops, I thought I lost the first writing of my devotional when I walked Penny so I re-wrote it again when I got home without looking…1.5 hour to go before my surgery ✝️

What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit! It is a deep-seated, spiritual gladness and strength stemming from God’s character and presence, rather than temporary happiness dependent on circumstances. It is an enduring, supernatural gift—a fruit of the Holy Spirit—grounded in Salvation, God's love, and His unwavering faithfulness, often providing stability in trials. *** The reason for the joy of the Lord grounded in receiving our Salvation in 1 Peter 1:8-9, “Even though you have not seen Him, you love...
Read more

Amen. :)

AMEN!

Kathleen I love your story. It puts a smile on my face. I was a very very shy child and still slightly struggle with it in my elderly years. Faith and knowing God helps in those moments. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days, Cheryl, Salina and all those I pray for that my wee 'lil pea brain may forget LOL. Holy Spirit fills the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Share your joy, others will feel your joy and pass it on. Before long others will seek this joy within themselves and share it. Oh what a wonderful world we have, may joy spread. Amen!

Hi Ken, sending prayers for your friend, Cindy today. Thanks to our Holy Father for continuing to stand up for the dignity of every human person, caring for the poor, and peace over war. What a joy filled message for us each and every day.

What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit! *** The reason for the joy in John 10:28-29, “I (Jesus) give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one will steal them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than anyone. No one can steal them out of My Father’s hand!” *** Joy even in suffering in Romans 5:3-5a, “And that’s not all. We are full of joy...
Read more

How blessed we are that even as young children we were able to draw on the joy that the Lord had planted in our hearts especially when life was not always carefree and happy. We used to sing a song, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” and how true that is. Just imagine the joy that we experience here on earth in the midst of trials and difficulties, how much more our joy will be complete in the presence of Jesus in our heavenly home.

Amen Amen Amen God is joy to me Let him be joy for you!!!

Amen to a Joy filled Spirit Salina, I pray for your successful surgery today and God's healing powers.... we do need your deep insights into scripture and hope to have you back soon Stormi, I hope and pray you make the best decisions for you and your family, by God's grace

In a nutshell Kathleen you have told my story. I remember being a happy outgoing child, but I let, to quote from William Shakespeare's Hamlet “The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" affect me and became a different person. —- Feelings of insecurity and anxiety led to withdrawal behind a mask I wore to protect myself from further pain. Looking back I had entombed myself and become isolated with the constant voice of my inner critic, who was the scared version of me. It was hell on Earth. —- I thank God for the seeds of faith sown in me...
Read more
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us
© 2026 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
Surgery was so quick…it probably less than 5 min! It went well ✝️ Had lunch and now sitting on the coach watching TV milking it as much as possible with a bell ringing for service :-) A friend texted and said her friend was very pleased with the Light Adjustimg Lens…giving me confidence…follow up tomorrow and next Thursday the left eye…can’t wait :-) Thank y’all for praying ❤️