Reclaiming Joy When You Feel Emotionally Spent

I recently shared with someone that 2025 was the best of ministry and the hardest of ministry and personal life. At the first spring retreat in 2025, I would get word that my youngest sister had been found dead due to alcohol-related issues. I was devastated, and yet ministry loomed before me. The year was packed with good ministry opportunities, but also with the heaviness of all the things ministry wives were bringing to the retreats. I did not have time to process, and in the last couple of months of the year, I would get the word that my sister’s youngest son had died due to complications of a kidney illness. I had taken 27 hours of master-level work throughout the year. In the fall, I taught my first online course, hosted  retreats, raised money for the ministry, and am a ministry wife and mom. Finally, in the last couple of months of 2025, I would have a health concern that ended with a biopsy and praise the Lord, an all-clear diagnosis. 

Ministry joy often fades not because of sin or disobedience, but because of exhaustion. When emotional reserves run low, even good things feel heavy. We must stop and refocus.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Notice the order: Joy is not the result of strength—it is the source of it. Many ministry leaders try to push their way back into joy when God invites them to receive it.

Joy is not self-manufactured optimism; it is Spirit-given assurance that God is near, faithful, and at work—even when we feel empty. Romans 15:13 describes joy as something God fills us with, not something we summon on our own.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

I have spent the holiday season grieving. I have reflected on how faithful my God has been to me, and I have asked Him to restore the joy of my salvation. You see, He plucked me out of the pit, and He has called me to His work. He is who He says He is, and He is faithful to see me through all things.

If joy feels distant, begin with honesty. God welcomes weary prayers. Lament is not a failure of faith—it is often the doorway to renewed trust (Psalm 42).

He is waiting for you to come and let Him restore your joy! God restores joy not by demanding more, but by offering Himself. 

He does not shame our weakness;  He meets us in it. 

Loving and praying for you! Diane

P.S. – Hope to see you at a Refresh Retreat in 2026! – We have a few spaces in our spring schedule!  Check it out here: https://contagiousjoy4him.com/refresh-ministry-wife-retreats/