Stolen Joy: The Choice to Rejoice

Do you ever find yourself in a pit?  You know, one of those pits where you lose your focus and because of that lose your joy?  I know I have.   What happens when we get in this pit?  Well, we start to focus on what we don't have and the things we're still waiting for and it consumes us with despair.   I know I'm not the only person this has ever happened too.  At least, I’d like to think I’m not.  I’d like to think there are other stubborn people out there who are trying to wrestle out their own suffering and pain.

I made a choice this week.  A choice to rejoice (that rhymes J).  Yep, I AM MAKING A CHOICE TO REJOICE.  For one, because I have so much to be thankful for and also because scripture tells us to “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18)  I believe that in my choosing to rejoice God will strengthen me with joy and build my faith in Him “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10b). We also know the Lord inhabits the praise of His people, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Ps. 22:3)  So when we praise, you better believe His Spirit starts to fill us and empty us of the bitterness and despair.  

I know, I know, you may have just said, Andrea I’ve tried that it didn’t work.  I’ve tried praying, I’ve tried praising and I’m still stuck, still in the same circumstances.  Listen, I know it’s frustrating, I do.  Beloved, don’t you give up!  It is working, though it may not be working out your plan.  We’ve got to come to terms with that don’t we?  Yes, we do.  Allow God to transform your heart to be content with what He wants, believing it is far better for you and is where life and peace are found.  (Some of you may have come to terms with that but you’re still waiting.  Well, if that’s you check out my next blog because I’m going to look at that and why God call us to sometimes wait even though it makes no sense to us. )

Will you make the choice to rejoice with me?  I hope you do!  As I have made this choice I have felt my spirit lift and my heart renewed.  Satan has taken far too much of our joy and it is time, my friends, to rise up and claim in back.  Run to His Word.  Cling to it for dear life.  Believe it by faith and let God transform your heart as you choose to trust, and as you lift your praises to Him.  He really does have your best interest in mind. 

Gracious Father, we thank You that You are righteous in ALL Your ways and loving towards ALL You have made.  Father, you call us to rest in You, to trust You and to take you at Your Word.  Father, we surrender, we repent and we come once again to Your mercy seat to find grace and mercy to help us.  Lord, we don’t want to live in this pit anymore, but we desire to live in the joy of the Lord.  We are desperate for You.  We accept and rejoice in the plans You have for us.  Be glorified Lord!  Amen.