The Choice That Changes Everything

How well are you at choosing joy? At seeing the good? At keeping your thoughts and words positive?

Every single day we are faced with choices, and many of them are not easy. There is always a fork in the road between good and bad. Between bitterness and gratitude. Between despair and hope.

What do you choose? Choosing joy causes our roots to grow and we will flourish in choosing joy.

So, what do you see when you look at your life? Do you notice the blessings or do you focus on what is missing? What do you write about in your journal, in your texts, or in your conversations?

What do you read and allow to fill your mind? Are your words lifting up, speaking life, and encouraging others, or are they negative, complaining, or filled with anger?

Jesus said, “The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart” (Matthew 12:34 NCV). So when the heart fills with joy, the mouth can speak joy.

What do you do when you start feeling anxious, angry, unforgiving, or unthankful? Do you let it fester and spiral down into darker places, or do you step out and do something about it?

God, who made you - says, “Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NCV).

Joy is not pretending bad things don’t happen. It is choosing to keep your heart anchored in God no matter what does happen.

So what is your go-to when your mind starts to sink?

For me, prayer is where I go first. I write down my frustrations and then I write down things I am thankful for. Sometimes I force myself to get outside, breathe fresh air, and look at the sky God painted.

Other times, I pick up the phone and encourage someone else, because nothing lifts my spirit faster than helping another person.

The Apostle Paul said: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good” (Romans 12:21 NCV).

You always have a choice. You can gossip or stay silent. You can hold onto resentment or forgive. You can complain about your day or choose to speak words of gratitude. You can stay in the pit of darkness, which only spirals deeper, or you can climb out by doing something good, something kind, something healing.

So today, what will you choose?

Will you choose the spiral of fear, anxiety, and anger, or will you choose joy, hope, and thanksgiving? God has given you the ability to decide. Every decision is actually an opportunity to decide which direction you desire.

“Today I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses. I am offering you life or death, blessings or curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NCV).

You have a choice. I hope you will choose life. I pray we will always choose joy.

LORD - HOLY SPIRIT - help me see the good. Help me count the blessings. Help me have deep gratitude. IJNIP amen ♥️