Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough

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Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” ~ Henri Nouwen

Since we’ve identified joy and courage as separate from happiness and bravery, what does the Bible say about them? Help us to choose joy today. Lord, in times of such overwhelming circumstances it can feel so daunting to get out of bed, not to mention choose joy. Yet Lord we know that You are with us. Just as You made a way for the Israel slaves in Egypt into the Promised Land, just as You broke the chains off Peter in prison, and just as You brought down the Walls of Jericho we know that the victory comes from You and You alone. Yet even in the waiting, even in the questioning, and even in the long and winding road we can find our joy in You, oh Lord. Help us this day to choose not just joy, but to choose to focus our attention, our love, our affections, our praises, and our days on You. We love You, Lord. You are good, and Your faithfulness endures forever. Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only. You are going to begin to create your new habit of recognizing what miracles of joy you have available to you right here in this moment. Maybe you’re feeling exhausted, both mentally and physically, from the last few years and all of the uncertainty and change that came with them. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to meet the constant demands on your time. Maybe you’re finding it difficult to connect with the things that once added joy and meaning to your life. Or maybe you can’t even remember what those things were. If you relate to one (or more!) of those statements, i WROTE THIS BOOK TO HELP YOU.When we are not getting enough sleep, we tend to be more frustrated and anxious. Sometimes switching off your phone, getting a good nights’ sleep, or even just taking a much-needed nap can just be what you need to choose joy. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Dear friends, let us choose joy today. Let us together reflect on God’s wonderful blessings and sing praises unto God. May we offer God the sacrifice of joy. May we always choose to keep our eyes fixed on God. May the joy of The Lord always be our strength, and May his peace continually be our portion. I pray these Uplifting, Inspirational & Encouraging Scriptures will be an encouragement and an inspiration to you. Admittedly, I am not an outdoorsy person. (By any means!) But the beauty of nature and the fresh air will always help improve your attitude and mindset if you are having trouble choosing joy. Fresh air helps to clear your mind of negative thoughts, and the beauty of nature helps you refocus on the little things that can bring you joy. So get outside and take a walk to help you choose joy. You’ll be surprised how much it helps. 11. Create Quiet Time

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun. The reality is that this is how you know if you’re getting closer to God: more kindness, more gentleness, more joy, more peace, more patience.” Matt Brown Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Have you ever experienced something that made you say to yourself, “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy?”

Why Should We Choose Joy Every Day?

Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.” We only need to open our eyes to see the gifts that abound all around us. These are the simple joys in life. Today I choose life. Every morning when I wake up I can choose joy, happiness, negativity, pain… To feel the freedom that comes from being able to continue to make mistakes and choices – today I choose to feel life, not to deny my humanity but embrace it. This verse chronicles Jesus's journey. It tells us He endured the cross all for the prospect of the joy laid out before Him.

Instead, He gives us the guarantee He will return, and we will have everlasting joy. Because of this, we can look forward to the day we will have joy that lasts for all eternity and take joy in the fact that day will come. Aren't you glad that the day is coming where we will be with the King and our joy will last forever. 10. Romans 14:17 Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Start with 3- write 3 things you are grateful for the day. It will bring you so much joy to know that God is still good, no matter what. A 30-day Gratitude Journal is best for starting and helping you see results and become consistent in practicing gratitude. 12. Get some restLooking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 KJV The improvement in my mindset wasn’t immediate, but eventually the choices that helped me feel more like my joyful self were: The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. Despite God’s promise of deliverance, Israel refused and was punished as a result. With the new generation of Israel, God constantly reminds them not to be courageous but where to place that courage. Israel was not called to have no fear at all. Neither are we. We are called to fear not, we are called to be courageous, and we are called to receive the joy God gives. To give God control is to let go of fear, and giving Him control has to be done daily. That is how much we need God. It’s important to make a distinction here between happiness and joy. Because there is a very clear difference between the two. Happiness is a surface-level emotion that can change at the drop of a hat. You may be having a great day, but when somebody cuts you off in traffic, suddenly your mood has changed from happy to grumpy. Happiness can change just like that.