Quit Daydreaming: How to Wake Up & Break Free (Part 2)Sample

Counting it All Joy

You may be wondering how you can process life through the lens of scripture to combat negative thinking. Well, like any other issue you may be struggling with, the answer can be found in the Word of God.

So how do you change negative thinking patterns you may ask? By counting all your trials, tests, dilemmas and sticky situations as joy. Yes. You read that right.

When you find yourself embroiled in a challenging situation, take heart and remember with God on your side, you will overcome.

This means although you may feel like you are at your wits end, you will survive. Not only that, since your victory is guaranteed in Christ, when you go through your tests and trials you shouldn’t mope because these same experiences will help you gain perseverance, strength and endurance.

When we hear the word joy, our minds usually picture someone basking in bliss. Interestingly enough, while anything can make us happy, not everything is powerful enough to make us jump for joy.

Scholars say the biggest difference between joy and happiness is the fact that being happy depends on our circumstances, while joy is a feeling we get from within.

In the Bible, joy is a fruit of the spirit that God blesses His children with. Since this virtue is not only a feeling, but also a state of being, it is important to be mindful of the things we allow to affect our moods.

This is because holding onto the joy God graciously gives is an intentional act we must practice daily. The joy of the Lord does not depend on our circumstances. Whether we are at the top of a mountain or down in a valley, through Him, we can experience gladness of heart.