Choose Joy!

Having joy in the Lord is the natural result of the Christian faith. Faith in Christ naturally works gladness by removing fear and replacing it with a calm, settled temperament. It takes away sorrow and provides a sense of quiet peace in the heart of the person who trusts the Lord.

The Lord’s joy causes renewing spiritual strength so that we may run and not be weary, walk, and not faint; (Isa. 40:31). By His strength, we can soar like an eagle high above our circumstances.

Could spiritual joy be lost within our imaginations? Have ill thoughts plagued your mind lately?

Let’s examine “The Power of our Thoughts.”

“Where the mind goes, the man follows!”

Thoughts are powerful, and they have creative abilities. What you’re thinking can become your reality. Positive thinking allows us to make better choices. Negative thoughts will steer you in the wrong direction and take you places you don’t want to go.

As a man thinks in his heart, so is he; (Proverbs 23:7).

Proverbs 23:7 serves as a schoolmaster, teaching us that the heart is the inner core of a person. A man’s thoughts, feelings, desires, and choices make him who he really is. That’s why God looks at the heart of a man and not at his outward appearance; (1 Sam. 16:7). Our thoughts can be either positive or negative. They can lead us to peace or steal our peace.

Your Mindset

The definition of the word mindset is a set of beliefs or ways of thinking that determines one’s behavior, outlook, and mental attitude.

1^st Corinthians 2:16 declares that we have the mind of Christ. This means that we share the same thoughts as Christ. Therefore, we should examine our thoughts, and if they don’t line up with God’s Word, we are to cast down those imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring it into captivity to the obedience of Christ; (2nd Corinthians 10:5).

In doing so, we are transforming our thinking by renewing the mind. Change your thinking by spending time reading your Bible. Also, search for other Christian resources that promote a healthy outlook on life.

Phillipains 4:8 instructs us to think about lovely, pure, true, noble, right, admirable, and praiseworthy things. So, pay attention to your thoughts and let the Holy Spirit be your guide.

What We Say Matters

Our words have life, and they have power. They can either lift you up or tear you down. Positive words build you up, and negative words pull you down. Our words have power because they align with God’s Word; all of Heaven back them up.

Why? Because God Said So!

At the beginning of creation, God gave us our identity. He said, “Let us make man in our image and likeness. And God saw everything He made was good”; (Genesis 1:26, 31). He also said that we are fearfully and wonderfully made; (Psalms 139:14). So, if God is pleased with us, who are we to cut ourselves down? And, why are we unkind when it comes to speaking positively about ourselves? Remember, our words are seeds, and seeds produce after their kind.

The words that you speak about yourself are essential. The Bible tells us to speak life and not death. We must be mindful of what we say that is not blessing us. Innocent yet harmful statements such as “You take my breath away.” Sounds more like a naive death wish, right? Be careful of witty remarks that prosper nothing, and be mindful of the words coming out of your mouth.

*Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding; (**Proverbs 3:5).*

It’s possible to lose your joy for a time because of a situation that may have caused you great pain. However, God can restore what was lost, including your joy. Remain faithful and trust in Him. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God. During these times, reach out for help, seek counseling, and connect with like-minded prayer partners. You don’t have to do it alone.

PEACE

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; (Philippians 4:7 KJV).

Do you allow fear, doubt, or worry to steal your joy? Peace looks at circumstances from a godly viewpoint. Your peace may be connected to your circumstances. Sometimes, it’s a matter of your spiritual diet.

Just as you feed your natural man (your flesh), you must also feed your spiritual man (Holy Spirit). What you put inside of your body affects your demeanor. Feed your spirit the word of God, and he will be strong. You are what you eat physically, spiritually, and mentally. What’s on the inside shows up on the outside.

Your demeanor will be revealed when you meditate on God’s Word. What you say will expose what’s in your heart. Fear, doubt, confusion, blame, shame, or hatred will be shown as liars because God’s word is our truth, and that truth resides in you.