“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
— John 10:10 (ESV)
Creating a Life of Joy and Fulfillment
Joy is Your Birthright—Not a Bonus
For many women who have survived abuse, joy can feel foreign or even forbidden. When you’ve lived in survival mode, joy may seem unsafe or out of reach, something reserved for other people, in other lives, far from yours.
But joy is not a luxury. It’s a gift from God. It is not based on your past. It is rooted in His presence.
God never intended for you to live under constant fear, pain, or heaviness. He is a God of restoration. And part of that restoration includes helping you reclaim joy, live with purpose, and experience fulfillment in Him.
You were created not just to survive—but to thrive, love, laugh, rest, build, create, and dream again.
What Joy Really Is
Joy is not the same as happiness. It’s deeper than a mood. It’s the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), meaning it’s supernatural, God-grown, and rooted in your connection to Him.
- Joy is the quiet strength that steadies you in hard seasons.
- It’s the sparkle in your eyes when you remember who you are.
- It’s the ability to hope again, even with scars.
- It’s the permission to dance, even after you’ve cried.
You don’t have to earn joy. You just need to make space for it.
Steps Toward a Joy-Filled Life
1. Heal Without Shame
Healing is not linear. Some days will feel joyful, others not. That’s okay. Keep showing up. Keep letting Jesus into the broken places. Joy doesn’t come after the healing—it often comes through it.
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
2. Discover What Makes You Come Alive
Many survivors lose touch with who they are—their likes, passions, and unique voice. Fulfillment begins with rediscovery:
- What lights you up?
- What used to make you smile as a little girl?
- What gifts or talents have been buried under shame or silence?
Let God resurrect what was lost. You’re not too late or too broken. You are still called, still creative, still capable.
3. Say Yes to Purpose, Not Pressure
Joy and fulfillment come from walking in purpose, not performing for approval. Let go of the pressure to prove your worth. You’re already worthy. God isn’t asking you to do more—He’s asking you to live free.
Your purpose might unfold through:
- Encouraging other women
- Creating art, writing, or music
- Building a peaceful home for your children
- Speaking truth in small, holy ways
Purpose doesn’t have to be public to be powerful. It’s about obedience, not applause.
4. Protect Your Joy
Now that you’ve fought for peace, guard it. Let joy be a boundary-breaker:
- Say no to chaos
- Say yes to rest
- Limit access to people who drain you
- Prioritize spaces and rhythms that fill your soul
Joy isn’t fragile—but it does need nurturing. Water it with gratitude, worship, and time in God’s presence.
5. Dream Again With God
Ask Him: “What do You want to do with my life?”
Then listen.
Let Him expand your vision, show you what’s possible, and rewrite your future. God is not limited by what happened to you—He is still writing beauty from ashes.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” (Isaiah 55:12)
Reflection Questions: Creating a Life of Joy and Fulfillment
Section 1: Rediscovering Joy
- When was the last time you truly felt joy? What were you doing, and who were you with?
- What beliefs have you carried about joy—especially after your experience with abuse?
In what ways have you been afraid to feel or pursue joy again? Why?
Section 2: Fulfillment and Purpose
- What dreams or passions have you buried or silenced?
- What does “living a fulfilled life” look like for you now, in light of healing and faith?
- What small steps can you take toward rediscovering or developing your purpose?
Section 3: Cultivating Joy Daily
- What activities, spaces, or people consistently lift your spirit? How can you prioritize more of them?
- What are three things you’re grateful for today? How can you build a rhythm of gratitude into your life?
- How do you experience God’s joy in your everyday life? What could deepen that experience?
Section 4: Moving Forward With Hope
- What do you sense God is inviting you into in this next season of your life?
- What fears or doubts come up when you think about dreaming again? How can you surrender those to God?
- Finish this prayer in your journal: “God, I receive Your joy and freedom. Help me walk in… ”
You are not just healing—you are becoming.
You are not just rebuilding—you are thriving.
This is your time to live again—with joy, on purpose, and for His glory.