Choosing Joy

Hear the Psalm of David as you start your day.

How can I have joy in the midst of difficultly darkness and doubt? I am glad you asked. David leads us.

-Psalm 30: 1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. 3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.

4  Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

-Notice how often David praises God. Hope, Joy, and peace always begin with thanksgiving and praise. Praise him and celebrate his goodness toward you.

-This is not a denial of the reality of trials. Verse 5 says there are times of grief. But even grief comes to an end.

-Isaiah gives us another clue. Isaiah 43: 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

-You can't find joy today if you are looking to pain in the past. Ask God to show you the new thing he is doing in your heart.

-Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

-Here is how God met me in my trial. As the specter of death hovered over me I found hope through prayer, praise, and laughter. Choose joy and look to God to help you overcome your sorrows. It really is easier to not to make the effort and sit at the bottom of the pit. It takes work, but with God's help you can overcome.

-Each day begins by casting your cares on God and asking for his help out of the pit. Then turn to praising him. This takes practice, but you can find things everyday that are beautiful and praiseworthy. You may not feel like laughing, yet it really is the best medicine. Look for humor, mischief and mirth.

-Have a great day. May the God of all grace strengthen you in your inmost being to find hope in your trial. Be blessed today. Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice.