Joy is: “The settled assurance that God is in control of every detail in my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything will be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”
– from CHOOSE JOY by Kay Warren
When my oldest daughter was in middle school, she would start complaining about going to school as soon as she woke up in the morning. Her complaints continued throughout the entire twenty-five-minute commute. Without fail, as we’d pull into the “Hug and Go” line to drop her off, my last words to her were “Abby, choose joy!” She hated hearing that every morning, but at least she had something else to complain about: me.
Rick Warren’s Christmas Eve service this year was all about “joy.” (What a great way to transition from one year to the next.) In it, he quoted the modern day theologian, Kay Warren (his wife). Since she has written a book about “joy,” he quoted her definition:
Joy is: “The settled assurance that God is in control of every detail in my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything will be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”
I believe this is the most brilliant definition of JOY I’ve ever heard or read. It’s complex yet simple. It’s challenging yet comforting. And it’s encouraging and energizing!
The reason joy is complex is because it goes against my human nature to give up control and let someone, let alone a God I can’t reach out and touch, be in charge of my life. But at the same time, knowing God is in control of every detail in my life gives me peace and joy, because I can let go and let Him call the shots.
Joy is also challenging because I want my confidence to come from me and my accomplishments. But when I strive for confidence on my own, my efforts rarely produce joy. Joy comes when God meets me in my weaknesses and comforts me with His joy that surpasses understanding.
And lastly, the joy of the Lord is encouraging because when I am joyful, I always feel that His presence is near. The joy I experience while walking close with Jesus is energizing because it lifts me out of the mundane and turns my eyes to Him. Living intimately with Jesus causes my soul to sing praises because joy is available in all things.
I am grateful for Kay’s insights. As a mother who has endured incredible heartache and loss, I know that if she can choose joy, then we can too.
Yes, choose joy today wherever you go, whatever you do, and no matter how you feel.
Be assured that God is in control of every detail. Be confident in His strength and power to guide you. Praise Him every step of the way, and JOY will follow.
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