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

**********

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.

**********

What does does choosing joy (peace, hope, etc.) look like in your life?