Stop Forcing Joy: How to Receive the Peace Only God Can Give

Welcome to Merry Monday, where we pause, breathe, and remember that real joy starts with Him.

When Joy Feels Forced

Have you ever tried to force yourself to feel okay?
“If I can just stay positive… if I can just smile through it… maybe I’ll feel better.”

I’ve been there too.

But the truth is—God doesn’t call us to perform joy. He calls us to receive it.

What Proverbs 17:22 Really Teaches

The verse says: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”

This isn’t about mustering up fake happiness. It’s about what happens when we lay our burdens down and let Him fill us back up.

Joy isn’t something we squeeze out of ourselves—it’s a fruit of the Spirit. It flows when we surrender.

🌼 You don’t have to keep everything together.
🌼 You don’t have to smile through the storm alone.
🌼 There’s healing when you hand it over.

Letting Go of What’s Too Heavy

Scripture reminds us: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

A merry heart begins when we stop trying to carry it all—and start trusting the One who carries us.

This week, I encourage you:
✨ Let go of what’s too heavy.
✨ Let Him carry it.
✨ Let your heart exhale.

How do I stop forcing joy?
You stop forcing joy by recognizing it’s not something you create—it’s something you receive from God. Joy flows naturally when you surrender your burdens to Him.

What does it mean that “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine”?
It means joy has healing power. Just as medicine strengthens the body, joy rooted in God refreshes the soul and brings peace to weary hearts.

How can I give my worries to God?
You can give your worries to God through prayer, by meditating on Scripture, and by reminding yourself of His promises. First Peter 5:7 says to cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.

✨ Your turn: What’s one thing you need to hand over to God this week? Drop it in the comments—or even just a 💛—as a step of surrender