Welcome! I'm Sonya Joy Mack and you're subscribed to The LIVE JOY LETTERS: a collection of letters for women to live in the joy God intended - one choice at a time.

Whether you're new to the LIVE JOY LETTERS or long-time subscribers, let me extend a huge Midwestern hello! Here's to praying you can find a quiet spot and sink into all this goodness.

In case you are new around here, each letter will now include:

The Message: A curated message of promptings from the Holy Spirit on how to live in the JOY God intended - ONE CHOICE AT A TIME

The Song: A song I can't stop listening to this week.

The News: Events, Classes, or other cool happenings I don't want you to miss out on.

The Prayer: As always, we'll end with a prayer for you.

This Week's Goodness

The Message:

Can I speak honestly for a minute.

Joy sometimes feels like the last thing you want to choose—especially when life is heavy. But did you know the Bible doesn’t just recommend joy? It actually commands it.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4

Not when things are easy. Not when you feel like it. But always.

This was, and is, a REALLY hard message for me sometimes. But over the last few weeks I've been really digging into the freedom that can come when we give our inner selves (and all the messiness) over to God.

Here’s the twist—God doesn’t command joy without giving us what we need to live it out.

Joy is not manufactured; it’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And like fruit, it grows over time. Through connection with Him. Through abiding with Him.

When we stay rooted in Him, joy flows from us—not because of what’s around us, but because of Who is within us.

So if joy feels distant today, don’t fake it. Just return to the Source. He’s not mad at your struggle. He’s just gently saying: Come back. I’ve got joy waiting for you.

In this together,

Sonya

The Song:

“

The weapon may be formed, but it won't prosper."

— Elevation Worship

"See a Victory," by Elevation Worship and Jonathan Traylor

I've been in a valley season. You know the one's where it seems like everything hits all at once and you are just doing your best to get through the valley until you are back on the mountaintop. This song has been my battle cry.

What's your battle song?

The News:

My book, "This Changes Everything: When Death No Longer Has the Final Say," officially has over 50 FIVE STAR reviews on Amazon.

Thank you to all of those who have purchased, read, and reviewed my book on Amazon or any other online site. It means more to me than I could possibly put into words.

Here's the link if you would like to see more about "This Changes Everything," or haven't posted your honest review.

God Bless!!

The Prayer:

As always, a prayer for you.

Lord Heavenly Father. I pray for Reader today. May you help her see that You have equipped her with the power and grace to command JOY at all times. Call your angels upon her today and place a hedge of protection around her heart and mind. Bring her moments of joy today Lord.

In Jesus' name.

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As always, we are in this together.

Sonya