Choose Joy

READ

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 TLB

THINK

I have to be honest with you. I struggle with joy. It’s hard not to let my joy be stolen by my circumstances. Through the seasons, I have learned that joy is a choice. Every day, I have to decide that I am not going to let life’s storms steal it.

Some days that choice is easier than others. When I face difficult situations, I can choose to be discouraged, to complain, and have a negative attitude, or I can choose joy. My circumstances may not change, but my attitude can. When something unexpected happens, I have learned (and I am still learning) to simply say, “This is not what I expected, but I'm not going to let it steal my joy.” When I begin to feel overwhelmed, which is one of the biggest joy killers for me, I stop and pray, "God, help me do what I need to do today, and help me surrender what I cannot." That simple prayer reminds me that I don't have to carry everything on my own, that I have a choice.

As I read Scripture, I notice that joy and gratitude are deeply connected. I believe one naturally leads to the other, and gratitude changes our perspective. Instead of focusing on what we don't have, intentional gratitude reminds us of all that God has already done for us, taking our eyes off our problems and turning them towards God’s goodness.

How many blessings do we take for granted every single day? The people we love, a place to live, food on the table, our health, the beauty of creation, and most of all, the gift of salvation. Our perspective will change if we become more intentional about thanking God for both the big and the small things.

Psalm 118 begins with gratitude: "This is the day the Lord has made." Every new day is a gift from Him. Then comes a decision: "We will rejoice and be glad in it." Notice that the psalmist doesn't say, "I will rejoice if everything goes well." He simply chooses to rejoice.

ACT

Today, don't let little frustrations or big disappointments steal your joy. It’s far too valuable. Fight for joy because that is what God wants for you. Make a list of things you are thankful for each day and be grateful to God. It will change your perspective.