Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice"
We often think of Joy as something we experience when things go well...this verse says that it is something we choose.
Paul is telling the Philippians that attitude matters, and attitude is a choice.
In this world everyone has struggles. Some, more than others, but each morning there is a list of blessings...and a list of things that break your heart...you have to choose the list on which you focus.
This verse ... twice....says to choose joy...and tells you where to find it.
If you set your gaze on Christ, joy happens. If you wake up every morning amazed that God loves you, and redeemed you, joy will be your default emotion. Don't confuse joy with happiness...Joy is deeper, stronger, and does not depend on circumstances. Joy is present even in seasons of sadness.
Rejoicing is important because it is where we, as Christians, get power. "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). It can transform you from a weak tentative christian, into a powerful soldier of Christ...and the transformation begins when you choose to rejoice in the Lord.
Change your focus.
Reject self pity... choose joy...immerse yourself in the love of your Father...let your heart soak in the implications of being a child of God. Take your eyes off the storm, and gaze intently into the eyes of the Creator.
He loves you so much, He gave His Son to save you...and he will not abandon what He paid so high a price to redeem. Stand on that fact, and choose joy.
"Joy is the serious business of Heaven."
- C. S. Lewis
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