Isn’t it amazing how a single moment of anticipation can light up your soul—only for life to suddenly throw a detour sign in your path?
Not long ago, I was thrilled about an upcoming trip to Casper, Wyoming, to explore my family genealogy. But life stepped in, and for family reasons, the trip had to be postponed. It was necessary, yes—but oh, how I’d looked forward to that adventure.
Then came another blow: a long-awaited visit with family was postponed. Twice. Highs and lows—life seems to be stitched together with both.
So when last Monday rolled around—house cleaned, landscaping and painting projects completed, but no guests—I found myself sinking into a funk.
Then I remembered a habit I’d picked up over the years: allow myself five minutes to wallow, and then move forward—with gratitude. Not grudgingly, but intentionally counting blessings, one after another. And something beautiful happened. As I tallied up blessing upon blessing, joy began to bubble up. Not ordinary joy, but abundant joy.
Psalm 16:11 reminds me, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
That verse lives on my phone, right beside my to-do list, because I need that reminder every day: joy isn’t about perfect plans; it’s about His presence.
Jesus Himself said in John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.” How true that is.
Often, it only takes bending low—falling to our knees—to rise up full of His joy. Even when grief is the low, His love holds us steady.
After Christian songwriter Matt Cooper’s mother passed away, he penned the song Highs and Lows: “You know that I’ll be there for the highs and lows. Give you mine if your heart gets broke. By your side, when you’re all alone. I will be there.”
Yesterday, my cousin passed through Montana, and over lunch we marveled at God’s goodness—a definite high!
Joy is not canceled by life’s detours. When plans fall apart, Jesus holds the map. Life will always hold highs and lows, and the presence of Jesus steadies the balance. In His presence, every low has the potential to become a high. When plans fall through, His promises never do—and this is where true, lasting joy begins.
If life has taken an unexpected turn today, don't let the detour steal your joy. The Savior who knows the way is walking every step with you.
Closing Prayer Father, when my plans change, help me keep my eyes on You instead of my disappointments. Fill my heart with the joy only Your presence can give, and remind me Your plans are always better than my own. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.