"Joy is not a feeling,
It is a choice.
It is not based on circumstances:
It is based on an attitude.
It is free,
but it is not cheap.
It is the byproduct of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
It requires
commitment,
courage, and
endurance."
I have the above quote by Tim Hansel posted on my fridge.
I have encountered many people in recent months who are experiencing various kinds of really tough circumstances.
There is a definate "lack of joy" in their lives.
Paul tells us to "rejoice always" in all circumstances.
If we are waiting around to "feel" joyful it will never happen. Joy comes from beleiveing by faith what the Bible says about us and this life we are called to live and then building our lives around that truth.
When we start to see what's going on in our lives from His perspective, everything begins to make sense. We begin to have this "joy" when we let go of our expectations of how we think life should be and let Him put his plans for our good to work in our lives.
It takes work in His word daily to build up the faith that God has given to us. It is not easy, but it is so worth the time invested!
from "things I'm learning" by cathy cleland
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