Speak Life, Choose Joy
John 16:24 (NIV)
Until now you have not asked for anything in my Name. Ask and receive and your joy will be complete.
Proverbs 15:23 (MSG)
Congenial conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!
While exploring Pinterest today I discovered the sweetest thought about choosing JOY and just have to share it with you…“When you choose joy you feel good. And when you feel good you do good. And when you do good it reminds others of what joy feels like and it just might inspire them to do the same.”
There, didn’t that just make you smile? These action statements are a choice that we have the power to make each and every day. Believe me I’m not discrediting those days when its all we can do to lift our heads off the pillow, I’ve been there a million times and you probably have too. But those are the days that we push through and shake off as soon as possible. Easier said than done? I’ve begun to realize that doing so is a CHOICE. We can choose to be bummed out over any number of things from the smallest inconveniences to the state of our world and then like a bad cold, pass that attitude and emotion on to any unsuspecting soul that comes into our path…
'Here you go, you’re welcome’!
One of my favorite Bible study leaders teaches that ‘some things are taught and some things are caught’ then goes on to ask, ‘have you ever caught someone else’s joy?’ I surely have! Can we agree that hearing someone laugh sparks a desire to laugh along? I know, me too! Ask yourself, who, what or where was it in your journey that life taught you to be-down? Well guess what, that’s over-you have the choice to move forward with God! Take it from an expert on this topic! I’ve learned that joy is something that people NEED to catch from those of us who have in fact, for real, yes really, (finally) cast our cares on The One Who has the shoulders to bare our burdens. This does not mean (please hear me) that the burden or burdens are now forever gone or worse yet, you become a nominee for the ‘Best Actor Pretending To Be Filled With Joy” for the approval of others-while suffering inside.
Instead I propose that speaking life and choosing joy is a sign that faith has matured to a point of trusting The Lord knows-the need. We reach a time where knowing each and every one of us has endured or is enduring a burden. Trials and tribulations are a part of our walk as Christians. Nevertheless, Jesus has promised an amazing gift upon the simple act of a request…”Ask and receive and your joy will be complete”.
Remember, you are a child of the same God Who SPOKE LIFE into the universe, created every living thing and hung the stars. How can we NOT speak the same language?
So today make the decision to SPEAK LIFE and CHOOSE JOY wherever and whenever possible. Our friends, families, neighbors and community need to hear words that breathe life back into their beings. Spread some joy around this week, do some good, then stand back and watch Jesus work!
My granddaughter Tavie age 1...Oh how I pray this brings a little smile to your face!