J.O.Y.—Jesus Over You
Updated: Sep 8
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4 NIV
For years, I chose one word to guide me through each new year. Before that, I created vision boards filled with words, pictures, shapes, and symbols representing what I wanted for my future.
The vision board tradition began when a friend told me that if I wanted to create change, I should put my vision on paper and look at it every day. I embraced her idea—not only because I loved being creative, but because it made me feel as though I could shape what came next.
One particular vision board represented where I wanted to take my company and what I hoped it would become. That board led me toward opportunities I had never imagined. But beyond the success, it eventually convicted me of something much deeper: I had been so focused on creating the life I envisioned that I had forgotten where true joy came from. Then the world seemed to stand still.
The days felt endless, the nights were filled with fear and little sleep. During that season, I turned inward and leaned on Him. I spent more time reading the Bible, grew closer to my husband and children, and began learning to trust God’s vision for my life instead of relying only on my own. The words of Jesus became my comfort. They reminded me of the way my youngest child once clung to his favorite blanket at night—a source of familiarity, love, and security.
Words have power. They can wound or heal, inspire or discourage. The words we speak to ourselves and to others can shape how we experience our lives. Eventually, my vision board became much simpler. Instead of an entire collage, I chose one word—something I could remember and carry with me every day.
At a time when I thought I should have felt fulfilled—raising three incredible children, sharing life with my loving and supportive husband, and thriving in my career as an educational consultant—something inside me still felt off.
I had forgotten joy.
Then, during a family vacation, I found myself sitting on a porch overlooking horses in a sun-kissed meadow. It was a cool but beautiful December day. As I rocked back and forth, the word JOY suddenly came into my mind.
And then, as though the words had been waiting for me, I whispered: Jesus Over You.
I laughed—one of those carefree, teenage giggles—and thought, Crap! He had me at JOY.
In that moment, I understood that joy was not something I could manufacture, accomplish, or arrange perfectly on a vision board. True joy began when I placed Jesus over myself—over my plans, my fears, my need for control, and my expectations.
I shared those words with my husband, then with my children, and eventually with strangers: Jesus Over You.
That simple phrase became more than a personal mantra. It became a way of living. I began writing down memories, reflections, and devotionals—capturing the moments when God revealed His joy in unexpected places.
The Joy Movement 365 grew from those pages.
As I begin sharing them with you, my prayer is not that you will ignore life’s difficulties or pretend everything is fine. My prayer is that these words will help you recognize that lasting joy is not found in perfect circumstances. It is found in placing Jesus first and trusting Him with everything that follows.
Questions to Ponder
What does Jesus Over You mean to you?
Who or what are you tempted to place before Jesus? How does that affect your peace and joy?
What might change if you placed Him first today?
A Prayer for Today
Jesus, help me place You above my plans, fears, desires, and need for control. Remind me that lasting joy is not something I create for myself—it is found in You. Teach me to trust Your vision for my life and to rejoice in Your presence, even when my circumstances are uncertain. Amen.
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