Choose Joy

This has easily become my favorite corner in my home. From taking an old picture frame and creating a picture collage, to using old shutters as a card hanger, I throughly enjoy this space. However, one thing here is truly my favorite.

The painting on the right. "Today I Will Choose Joy." What a simple thing, right? Choose Joy. Choose joy over sorrow. Choose joy over agitation. Choose joy over bitterness. Seems easy. This painting is a constant reminder to me of where I can find true joy.

I cannot provide myself with true joy. I cannot buy a mountain of clothes from the LOFT and have true joy. My husband cannot buy me a dozen sunflowers and make dinner for me to have true joy. My true joy comes from mySavior. The Lord is the only one who can provide us with true joy in our lives.

Matt and I have been in Texas for a little over a month. Married life is going better than I could ever imagine. I have a loving husband who is so comforting, patient, and amazing. However, I found myself sad and negative about the things that I did not have here. I didn't have my friends, I didn't have a job, and my family was across the country, and I felt that my only purpose was to clean house and cook. This realization sent me into sadness.

I was reading one morning and it hit me. The Lord has given me SO much to be joyful about. While I may not always be happy about my situation, I can be joyful in the amazing life the Lord has provided for me and the salvation I have received from him.

I realized that the Lord's plan (not mine) and his grace in my life is something to be JOYFUL about. I am BEYOND blessed and should be screaming from the rooftops about the gifts I have been given.

"Let the morning bring me word of your UNFAILING LOVE, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As I read these verses, I was filled with a sense of peace. The Lord's UNFAILING LOVE for me would fill me and sustain me. I decided to be joyful. To give thanks for what I was given and to not focus on what I didn't have. My joy can come from NOTHING but the Lord.

Choose Joy. Choose to be content in the Lord and let HIS unfailing love sustain you and give you hope.