Love and Joy That Enduresনমুনা

How to Choose Joy

How do we choose joy in a world filled with uncertainties and ever-changing circumstances? The answer lies in where we choose to station our joy. If our joy is anchored in anything other than God, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment.

First and foremost, we must station our joy in the Lord. The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. This means locating our joy in God, the only unchanging and dependable source of true joy. We often make the mistake of placing our joy in our health, circumstances, people, or wealth, only to discover that these things are fleeting. Our health can deteriorate, circumstances can change, people may come and go, and wealth can vanish like a fleeting shadow.

Hebrews 13:5 reminds us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to be content with what we have, for God has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God alone is enough to satisfy our hearts and be the source of our joy. When our joy is located in Him, it becomes unwavering, for God is constant and always faithful.

Secondly, choosing joy involves being filled with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 teaches us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s not something we achieve through our own efforts but is experienced indirectly when we live in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. Being filled with the Spirit means allowing God’s Word to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. It means seeking His wisdom and relying on the Scriptures for direction in all areas of life.

As we submit to the authority of God’s Word, we find the same results as being filled with the Spirit. This is because the Spirit of God is the Author of the Scriptures. Therefore, to experience joy, we must strive to understand, believe, and practice the Word of God in every aspect of our lives. Whether we face marital challenges, parenting struggles, work-related issues, or discontentment with our current situation, our source of wisdom and guidance must always be the Word of God.

Choosing joy is a conscious decision. We station our joy in God, who never changes and remains steadfast. We are filled with the Spirit by submitting to the Lord and immersing ourselves in His Word. As you go about your day, remember that your joy can be unwavering, for it is rooted in the unchanging God. In every circumstance, hold fast to the truth that God is with you. His Word provides the answers you seek.