Choose joy. Those two words sound so simple. Just choose joy. Instead of the worry, the dread, the fear of what has happened or could happen in the future. What if we choose joy instead?
Really, how can we choose joy? Do you not see the pile of bills stacked up next to me? Or the pain I feel from the loss of my loved one? Or the fact I can’t find work?
I can hear your mind working.
No, not really, there’s no need to put on the tinfoil hat to block me out from reading your mind. I know what you’re thinking because I’ve had the same thoughts.
My job can be challenging. In my line of work, conflict is inevitable. Sometimes I lose count in a week how many times I get yelled at. There is a saying around our office when everyone is unhappy with you, it means you’re probably doing your job right.
This isn’t an ideal situation to find joy. God has put on my heart to be joyful, to find the positive in any situation.
Can we make a choice about how we feel?
Can we choose joy?
First, I want to define joy. To me, joy is a state of mind. We can choose our mindset. We all know people who want to find the negative in a situation, even if they had to squint one eye and turn their head to the side to see the circumstances from a different angle. They will find something wrong.
Then we have the people who can see the positive in any situation. Their house could be burning to the ground and they say, “Well, at least I have the clothes on my back. I’m thankful my family is safe. We can always rebuild the house.”
This isn’t about putting on rose-colored glasses and not seeing the reality of a situation. It’s about trusting in God to have the situation under control so we can choose to be joyful because God has it covered in His big, capable hands.
God calls us to be joyful. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) it says, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Going back to the example of the positive person, even when their house was burning, they found something to be thankful for and decided to choose joy. The joy God brings to our life is an eternal one. It can’t be taken away by circumstances. When we rely on Him to bring us joy, it will shine through every aspect of our lives.
We can choose joy.
Will you choose joy? How do you choose joy? Share it in the comments below to encourage others.