Choosing Joy

Earlier this week, most everyone was out of the office for one reason or another except for me and one other co-worker. I had an opportunity to chat briefly with her as I was walking back to my cubicle. I mentioned she was coming up one-year anniversary and how quickly the time has gone past. As we talked about our jobs, out the blue she started talking about how joyful I am about my job. She said I may be the only one in this office that really likes what she is doing. She even noticed how it comes out even through the phone call conversations. I didn’t want to get into it with my co-worker, but there are times that liking my job has its moments. Just ask my husband.

I have learned that a merry heart is a choice and an act of faith. Proverbs 17:22 says “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.”

The Hebrew word translated into ‘merry’ means: merry, joyful, or rejoicing. Those who have a glad heart experience the good life that God intends for all to enjoy. I love what Proverbs 15:15 says, “All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of the circumstances].”

A rejoicing heart does not arise from a life that exists without problems, but from someone who sees with eyes of faith. Regardless of the circumstances, we can still have a merry heart by looking beyond our struggles and keeping our focus on God and the purpose He has called us to fulfill in each season and moment.

John 16:33 says “In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” Everyone has problems, but our attitude determines how we handle those problems. I have decided to put my trust and confidence in Him and I look beyond my current circumstance to my final destiny.

Nehemiah 8:10 says that “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” He renews us even while we are in the storms of life.

Decide to have a merry heart and remember, a merry heart…

- looks at life through the eyes of faith

- trusts in the Lord completely

- is hopeful and expectant

- not fretful or resentful

A merry heart is a choice – and an act of faith as we trust the Lord’s work in our lives.

For His Kingdom,