How to choose joy

Lately I feel like I haven’t been able to get anything done, let alone get ahead. From early morning til late night I’m non-stop and every task I begin goes unfinished.

Before the quarantine was in place, I had a functioning life. My days were organized & accomplished. Somehow, I lost any type of working schedule and life lately just seems chaotic. 24 hours a day of chaos in one.tiny.house that I feel swallowed by.

We are scheduled to move in 6 weeks and we don’t have a house to move into. So every spare moment is spent searching for houses = added pressure.

I have a constant feeling of shame that I’m not giving my family enough intimate attention because I’m always busy doing something. I’m slacking in every area of my life because I can’t seem to find the time.

Today, I was replaying all of my frustration in my head when I heard a small still voice that said Choose Joy.

And that’s how the Holy Spirit works in our lives! Thank you Jesus!

Life is so many things. No matter what were facing, we have a choice – yes a choice – each and every day to choose joy!

Scriptures on Joy

I find comfort in life when there’s order. I thrive on schedules, knowing what is expected & feeling accomplished at the end of the day.

So, how do I choose joy when I’m outside my element?

As I look toward the scriptures, I am re-awakened by the choice I have to suffer in my affliction or choose joy.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Read more about the fruit of the Spirit here.

7 Tips on how to choose joy

No matter our circumstance, we always have a choice to choose joy or not. After reading the scriptures I am reminded that I need to redirect my focus.

Tip #1 Put God first. Be filled daily by God’s Word.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

If He is not filling me every day so I can withstand life, then surely I will crack. The words of the Holy Bible are life.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Do you have the light of the world inside of you? (John 8:12) Then let your light shine!

Tip #2 Don’t take everything so seriously. Children don’t have to wake up and make a conscious choice to be joyful; unlike adults who carry the weight of the world. Enjoy & live in the moment!

Tip #3 Be flexible with your time. It’s okay that life isn’t in perfect order, that’s life! Learn to go with flow while maintaining some order. 🙂

Tip #4 Do something for yourself. Whatever makes you feel you good, set time aside each day to treat yourself in some way.

Tip #5 Laugh! Laughter is always so refreshing because it triggers the release of endorphins. Haven’t you ever noticed how good you feel after a good laugh? 🙂

Tip #6 Change your priorities. Have you ever told your kids to walk away from a project when they were stumped? We need to do the same thing. Take breaks and re-direct your focus to something else. Like an extra cuddle session or activity your kids or spouse enjoy.

Tip #7 Have faith. I love the story found in Matthew 8:23-27. It’s quite a simple story. Jesus & His disciples were traveling by boat when a terrible storm emerged. The disciples were terrified & woke Jesus. He asked them “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He rebuked the winds and the sea. (Mic drop)

The book of James tells us that faith must produce action. Faith without works is dead.

So let’s have an actionable faith that trusts God & produces JOY!

Read more about the Choose Life Series, here!

How about you? Can you relate to life stealing your joy?

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