Choosing Joy

From the moment we wake up, we make about 35,000 choices each day, according to the Harvard Business Review. That is a lot of choices for one person to make! It makes me wonder: how many of those choices are anchored in joy?

We go about our day bombarded by countless thoughts, and in the midst of the mundane—often clouded by negative thinking—we have to choose joy. I know for me, I have to consciously choose joy over stress, joy over sorrow, joy over anxiety, and joy over anger.

THE FACT IS…

We have a very real enemy of our souls who is doing everything he can to distract us and disrupt our lives. He uses tactics to get us to believe lies instead of God’s truth. Joy is more than just a happy moment—joy is constant and steadfast, even in hard times.

The Bible says, “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) When we refuse to spiral into thoughts of “what if” or “woe is me,” we are resisting the devil’s attempts to rob us of the joy we can have in life with Jesus.

HOW TO CHOOSE JOY

Choosing joy isn’t always easy, but with God, it’s possible. Stay in prayer and in God’s Word. The more time you spend with God and learn about the promises He has for you, the more you can speak them over your life.

Guess what? Joy is one of those promises. Speaking joy over your life strengthens and builds your faith.

Jesus said, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24) Can you believe it? All you have to do is simply ask the Father, in Jesus’ name, for joy.

Today, I don’t know what choices you have to make, but I encourage you: choose joy. I know you’re going through a lot. I know you may feel alone. I know your patience is being tested. But find your joy in Christ.

Count it all joy—because what you’re going through will make you stronger if you give everything to Christ. “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” Jesus cares about you. He cares about your concerns. And He doesn’t want to see you believing the lies of the enemy.

There is hope, and there is an answer in Jesus.

PRAYER

Dear God,

Thank you that in You we can choose joy. Thank you for being concerned about us—that in our what ifs and our woe is me, we can find a solution and support in You.

We submit our worries, our thoughts, and our feelings to You. We resist any tactics, schemes, and fiery darts the enemy is sending our way to try to distract us from enjoying You fully. We put on the full armor of God. Help us to stay in prayer and to choose joy in our lives.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I hope you enjoyed today’s reading. May God bless you and keep you.

Love,

Mahalia 💛💛