Choose Joy

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/ev0DG4uduYg?si=xHeeAXAaubYpzl8T

“Choose Joy”

Philippians 4:10-13 NIV

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been struggling with various things in my personal life.  A lot of it had to do with my current job and the atmosphere.  One day, my wife made a comment that really got my attention. She told me that through her challenges, she is choosing joy.  As I considered her comment, I got to thinking about how often I let my circumstances affect my mood.  If I’m having a good day, I’ll generally tend to be in good spirits.  Makes sense!  However, if I’m struggling with several things, that usually kills my good mood and it follows me home.  That’s not a good thing!

 

I am remembering that I must choose joy each day, regardless of the circumstances I find myself dealing with.  I cannot let what’s going on around me determine my mood.  It’s so easy to be in a good mood when things are going well and to be in a bad mood when they aren’t.  That’s a lot of how the world works and we are not immune to that as believers.

 

As the past few days have gone by, I am thinking about Paul’s comments in Philippians 4 where he talks about having learned the secret of being content.  He didn’t let circumstances determine his mood.  He chose joy every day, no matter what was going on.  I am realizing more and more every single day that my attitude can spiral out of control from the negative thoughts that try to enter my mind.  I have to be very intentional every day to choose joy. 

 

I am extremely grateful for the advice my wife gave me and what she showed me.  I know that we all would like to take Paul’s words to heart and sincerely live each day by choosing joy in the Lord no matter our circumstances.  That takes a lot of discipline and Paul definitely reached a point where he learned how to be that way.  It wasn’t perfect, but it was to the point where we can all learn from his attitude.  When Paul and Silas were in prison, instead of focusing on the circumstances, they praised God and ministered powerfully to others.

 

I hope and pray that each of us will be intentional each day to choose joy regardless of what life throws at us.  Some days it will be easy and other days it will be very challenging, but we can all choose to focus on joy through our day.