I’ll be honest, sometimes my first reaction is to get a little bit annoyed when people say these sort of things…
“Just think positive!”
“Just put a smile on your face!”
“Choose joy!”
But the truth is, it really can be that simple. In fact, as a Christian, that’s how we’re supposed to live – by accepting the gifts of uncircumstantial joy, peace, and hope that we’ve been freely given.
So the next time you’re feeling down…actively choose joy.
“Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” John 16:24
When you’re feeling worrisome…choose to trust.
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:25-26
Stressed out? Choose peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Struggling with unbelief? Choose hope.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Instead of living with a sense of fear and dread…choose expectancy.
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
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You can call it positive thinking or you can call it obeying God, but the bottom line is that how you feel and how you view your circumstances in life is a really a choice. Say those verses out loud – claim the joy that is rightfully yours.
Of course, life throws us some downright miserable situations sometimes. It always will. But that’s why it’s so important to realize that joy is actually uncircumstantial. It’s a constant; a state of being. Joy is a gift, but you must choose to accept it.
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What does does choosing joy (peace, hope, etc.) look like in your life?
I like this post. I experienced significant grief for the fist time 8 months ago with my wonderful Dad journeying to heaven after 44 days of brain cancer. He was healthy as far as we knew before. I am a believer and I struggled, big time. However, in the middle of it all, I felt the joy (not to be confused with happy). I wasn’t happy but deep down, way down, joy. So thankful for that. And hope is what keeps us going!!
Wow, Susan, I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how painful that must have been. You are truly an inspiration of exactly what I’m talking about when it comes to choosing joy, even in the midst of life’s trials. Thanks so much for this comment <3
Um, I absolutely love this post. This year has been such a great journey for me as I grow closer to God. I’m slowly learning all the great wisdom that is found in God’s words, but I feel like such a beginner. I love when it is put in terms like this that I can understand. It makes me realize that all of these little things I worry about shouldn’t be in my thoughts at all! Thanks so much dr this post.
Thanks for this comment, Kristi
I just want to encourage you to actually embrace “feeling like a beginner.” I actually think God wants us to always be in that place of humility - willing and open to whatever new revelation He reveals to us!
When I don’t feel like “choosing joy” I always try and reflect on the basic joys in my life… like the fact that I have a job, a place to live, food to eat… etc.
Megan says
I love this!!!
Such an inspiring and uplifting post. It made my day! Happy Thanksgiving from Canada
As always, loved this post. I often think about my mom’s friend - both my mom and Cathy, her friend, were very religious. Cathy had a huge number of chronic health problems and was eventually dying. My mom sat by her right up to the moment she died, and right before, Cathy sat straight up with a look of pure joy on her face, and said ‘It’s beautiful” and then laid back down and died. That has always kept me thinking of choosing Joy in life - even if something is difficult now, someday, we’re going to be indescribably joyful, so knowing there is that to look forward to tends to make the “daily” things a little easier.
WOW, thanks for sharing that story, Darcy.
“someday, we’re going to be indescribably joyful, so knowing there is that to look forward to tends to make the “daily” things a little easier.” <-- YES! you hit the nail on the head.
I may not be religious but I don’t think anyone has to be to feel inspired and moved by this post. Last night I chose joy and have been feeling guilty all day for doing so. Thank you for this post - I found it when I needed it most.
Wow Caitlin, thanks so much for this comment. I really want to encourage you because a lot of the times choosing joy does result in that guilty feeling - because we’ve gotten it so engrained in our minds that we’re “supposed” to feel stressed or we’re “supposed” to wish we did something differently. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Glad you found this post when you needed it - sending love and good vibes your way
xoxo
Chalani says
I’m recently new to the blogging world and find completely love and inspiration from your blog! It’s refreshing following such a positive page.. Keep it up! Xoxo Chalani