Choose Joy
Over the last couple of weeks the decision to choose joy has made a huge difference in my attitude. At first I was kind of discouraged when I realized how often I had been choosing the opposite. Dwelling on the what ifs and always thinking ahead of the possibilities and trying to manage the outcomes.
Several times a day I would say to myself, “Choose Joy,” and instantly my attitude would begin to adjust. My circumstances didn’t change but my heart and mindset did.
I recently read a study on Joseph who was sold into Egypt and was reminded that my attitude will make all the difference in any situation. His example of trusting that God can work any situation for good can help us look for God in every situation and instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we can ask, “What do You want me to learn from this Lord?”
In addition to seeking the right heart and attitude towards our current circumstances we can also look to the future with faith in God’s promises. This was especially helpful to me with my planner mentality.
A comment that Joseph made to his brothers when they were worried about their future in Egypt, was, “Am I in the place of God?” Joseph was in a right relationship with God and had no intention of playing God, seeking revenge or using his own power to navigate the future. He was trusting God for the future and was seeing how God orchestrated events to place him exactly where he was.
When I try to manipulate the outcomes or push my will, I am playing God and losing the opportunity to experience His peace and joy by trusting that He is in control.
Lastly, Joseph trusted in God’s promises for the future. He knew that God would bring his descendants to the Promised Land and in believing that promise he lived in peace in his present.
God has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us and that is a promise that we can hold on to no matter what life throws at us. Just knowing that we are not alone should give us joy. Knowing that God is using every circumstance for good should give us hope that He knows best. And knowing that God is in complete control will give us peace.
Knowing and believing this we can say with confidence:
Though the cherry trees don’t blossom
and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten
and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless
and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God.
I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail,
I take heart and gain strength.
My Prayer
Father, thank you for showing me where I need to change. I’m so glad that You take the time to lovingly help me become who You created me to be. Thank you for Joy. It is a beautiful gift that I’ve missed receiving many times as I’ve tried playing God with my life. It’s a gift that is always available with a simple choice. Help me to choose the joy You have for me every day. Help me to see You in each day and know that Your plans for me are good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.