Choose Joy (Philippians 4:8)

“Give me liberty, or give me death!”

The American patriot, Patrick Henry, declared this famous statement in 1775 to persuade his fellow Virginians to send troops to support the Revolutionary war against the British.His decision to make this noble speech was a major turning point in the war, gathering much needed support for the fledgling army.

We make many choices in life, perhaps not as stirring or life defining as Patrick Henry’s, but no less important to our lives as we seek to achieve our goals in life. As a Christian, I rely upon God to help me make my decisions. God does not force me down any path. He presents me with choices. The more I walk with God and spend time in prayer and reading His Word, the closer I can align my decisions with God’s will. His goals become my goals. I know this, but so often, I chose to go my way. And when I do, and things go awry, I am quick to blame God. In reality, I chose to walk this path. I chose folly. I chose sin.

When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.

Proverbs 19:3 (ESV)

For many years, I eagerly sought the joy of the Lord. I prayed to God, as King David did, to restore the joy of my salvation (Psalms 51:12). Slowly, I am learning that God’s joy is not only a gift by His grace and mercy, it is a choice that I must make, every moment of the day. I can chose to wait for God to restore my joy while at the same time, I can chose to surround myself with God’s joy.  I can think upon and remember people and events in a positive and uplifting light, rather than focus upon the negative and hurts. I can align my thoughts upon pure and lovely thoughts, filled with joy. I can chose to be filled with joy.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

I thank God that He gives me a choice.

I choose joy!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.