Choosin' Joy...
Several years ago I heard a speaker talk about 'Choosin' Joy.' Deciding to be joyful despite the circumstances. Whether or not your bank account is balancing, your husband is being nice to you, or your kids are behaving. This talk resonated with me. I want to emanate joy. The kind that comes from the Lord. The kind that spreads to others so when they spend time with you they can't
help but have a little rub off on them. I'm not talking about a fake kind of happy, shove everything under the carpet and put on a plastic smile. I'm talking about the deep down, I know who my Daddy is, kind of joy. The joy that knows who I am in Christ.
And the great thing is, the Bible tells us how to get it.
First, by praying continually. When we pray continually we are talking with God, having an ongoing conversation with Him.
Seeking Him for our next move.
Second, by giving thanks in all circumstances. Finding something in our life to be thankful for, and speaking it out. Today I was thankful for the beautiful fall colors as I was walking along the Mississippi River. God loved us enough to create such amazing creative things - for our pleasure. Let's remember to thank Him for them!
I know from experience that when I stir myself up by praying and giving thanks, dispite how I am feeling at the time, the Joy comes.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Choosin' Joy,
Mel
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