Today I choose joy. To be joyful in all that I do, during all circumstances; so that others can see God's joy in me.
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11) We are called to be joyful in all circumstances, but joy can be hard. We need God's help and we need to be walking closely with him!
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." When we are walking with the Lord he will carry us through each high and low of life. It's easy to be happy when life is good, but we are called to go beyond happiness to joy and we are called to be joyful even when life is hard. We have to walking closely with the Lord so that he can make our joy complete.
We are told in John 16:33 that life won't be easy! "I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." We have to claim God's peace and joy during the trouble and hardships of life. We will all experience hardships, but it's how we react to those hardships that can be an example to others and bring glory to God. And God can teach us things through hardships. If are hearts are hardened, we might miss out on the blessing of those lessons, but if we are choosing joy, our hearts are more receptive to the things that God is trying to teach us through life's circumstances. To be blessed means fully experiencing hope and joy regardless of outward circumstances; whether life is good or bad.
Philippians 4:4-9 offers us great encouragement! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." We have to be growing in our relationship with God and choosing to respond to life with joy. Joy that comes from God alone, not from a superficial happiness that comes from the world. And putting what we are learning into practice and showing others the joy we receive from God will bring glory to Him. We need to ask God to fill us with joy, regardless of the circumstances that we face!
So, today I choose joy!
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