We Can Choose Joy, But It Ain't Easy

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.   - Psalm 100:1-2

We can choose joy… even in the midst of confusion or chaos.  What our minds focus on produces repetitive thought patterns.  What we think about filters down into our heart, filling it with either positive or negative emotions.  These emotions grow and eventually come to life through our hands and actions.  I call this phenomenon “The head, heart, and hands connection.”  I’ll give you an example.     

Let’s say a friend wrongs you in some way, like talking behind your back, or refusing to honor an agreement.  Negative thoughts begin to repeat in your head: “How could she be so mean?” or “He lied to me the entire time.”  They grow and intensify.  Just hearing that person’s name fills your heart with resentment, hurt, bitterness, and anger.  Eventually, when this friend approaches you, your reaction is to cross your arms, make up an excuse, decline, and walk away.  

Isn’t it true that we’d often rather distance ourselves from them than tackle the conflict?  The joy of that friendship has been replaced with distance and awkwardness. 

We do the very same thing with God.  Life gets crazy and disappointments pile up.  We blame God for messes and mistakes.  We cross our arms and forget to pray.  We grow distant and joy disappears.  Let your 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call be a reminder to choose joy and give God praise each and every day.  You can come into His presence during the busyness of your day, stop, look up, and be grateful.  Let Him fill your heart with gladness today!

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank you for being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement