A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV

This week I start my next round of chemo.
This will be the 8th cycle.  Having gone through the first 6 I knew what to expect, I knew how I would feel, and I knew when I would feel better.  I started the latest rounds as the cancer had returned so they put me on a stronger course of drugs. 
This hit me hard.  All my expectations went out of the window.  I felt so much more tired, sicker and weaker and there were loads of side effects that the hospital had to monitor closely.

So now facing the next round I know what’s coming and I’m dreading it!

It’s sometimes difficult to find joy when we are facing something unpleasant.  Perhaps it’s the scale of the challenge or perhaps it’s our understanding of what real joy is. 

If joy is based on how we feel, then we would just have these fleeting moments of joy. Nothing that would last and nothing that would help us in difficult times.

Real joy is based on the hope we have through Jesus.
He is the source of real joy.
He has chosen us.
He has forgiven us.
He has made it possible to have a relationship with God.
We can now call ourselves sons and daughters of the King of Kings.
We get to share in the inheritance that comes with that (Ephesians 1v3-13)
That is an eternity with him.
This is real joy.  To know and be known by Jesus.

So, my joy isn’t based on what’s coming this week.  It’s based on who God is and who I now am through Jesus.   Knowing this I have a choice, ignore this truth and face next week with fear and dread or believe by faith with a joyful heart.

I choose to take my medicine with a joyful heart.