I choose JOY! (reposted)

I woke up this morning with that old familiar children’s song in my head, “I’ve got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart.” Do you remember it? If you were raised in church as a child or went to Vacation Bible School, then you probably do. There is just something about this song that makes me so happy.

Most days, I wake up saying “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This is my mama’s favorite verse. In fact, when I was still living in her house, she would say this to me every morning when I got up out of bed. Usually I would hear the words before I ever opened my eyes. It would be my sweet mama standing over me, echoing that familiar verse.

But there were some days I didn’t want to hear it. Especially if I had been out late the night before or if I were in a bit of a funk. Even still, that repetition seeped into my soul.

Now, all these years later, I continue to hear those words even before I wake. Of course, I still have days when I don’t feel joyful and I just don’t want to hear it. These are the days I must choose JOY.

I’ve got a lot to be joyful about. But what do you do when life gets hard? Maybe you are struggling with your health, your finances or your family? What then? How can you still choose joy?

When I choose joy, I choose God. 

Scripture tells us “Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying. ¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

I think there is a formula here.

Always be joyful. But how?

1. Never stop praying. God hears our prayers and answers our prayers and God is always with us no matter what.
2. Be thankful in all circumstances. It is easy to be thankful when things are going good but what about when they are not. Can you still find something to be thankful for? Do you have family that loves you? Do you have a roof over your head and a bed to sleep in at night? Can you breathe, think, pray? God is good! All the time. In the good and the bad times of our lives!

Sometimes we have to pause. We may need to reset, refocus and remind ourselves that God is good and God is with us at all times! Sometimes, we have to choose joy!

And, when we turn to the Word, God reminds us.

Just like Philippians 4:6-7 says; “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When I choose God, I choose joy. 

When we look to God and turn to His Word, we can be confident God will be there.

I am learning that even in the unknown, I can still find something to be thankful for. When I trust God, I can be joyful and not anxious.

Sometimes it is hard and other times, it is easy. Life can be exciting and terrifying all at the same time. But if I will pray, read my Bible and look to God, I can choose joy.

Let us pray,

Let all I do, in word and deed, glorify you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. In Jesus Name, Amen. -M

P.S. Leave me a comment because I always love hearing from you. Forward to a friend who might need a little joy in their life. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, I choose joy. Will you? -M