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By Betsy Ore Glass

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

How do you feel when you wake up each morning? Are you filled with anticipation for what the day will bring—or do you feel the weight of your to-do list before your feet even hit the floor?

It’s easy to be joyful when life is smooth. But the moment trouble appears, joy can feel out of reach. We’ve all experienced that temptation to pull the covers back over our heads and shut out the world. Then, there’s that person we all know—the one who’s almost always smiling, always grateful, always positive. And we wonder … What’s their secret? Is their life really that perfect?

Most of us wear our emotions openly. When we’re upset or overwhelmed, it shows—in our posture, our tone, even our expressions. Sometimes we unintentionally spread our frustration, as if to say, “If I’m not happy, no one else should be either.” But this is not the way God calls us to live. So, how do we become people of steady, unshakable joy?

We often think happiness depends on getting the job, losing the weight, moving into the bigger house, or finally reaching a certain goal. But the truth is, happiness doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances. Joy is a choice. It’s not a feeling we stumble into—it’s a decision we make each day.

It’s easy to blame external things for our bad mood—the alarm didn’t go off, traffic was awful, the kids are dragging their feet, your spouse is grumpy. But none of those things have to steal our joy—unless we let them.

Look at a small child. Their laughter bubbles up from somewhere deep. They squeal with delight at the simplest things. They remind us that joy doesn’t need permission. We can learn so much from their carefree wonder.

Today, draw a line in the sand. Make the choice to be joyful—not after your situation improves, but right now, exactly where you are. This season invites us to reflect with gratitude, to recognize every good thing as a gift from God.

Let your heart be glad. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks—not just when life is easy, but in all circumstances.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com or read additional Reflections at www.betsyoreglass.com.

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