by Desiree Bustamante
Choosing joy brings peace to our hearts and declares to the world the goodness and hope found in God.
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”
Psalm 34:4-5 New Living Translation
Joy can feel increasingly difficult to find. People are frustrated with the world’s leadership, struggling to make ends meet, and facing the future with anxiety and uncertainty. We know we live in a fallen world, and its hardships will not fully disappear until Christ returns. Yet even in the middle of the darkness, we still have a choice about what we bring into the world.
We can add to the negativity surrounding us, or we can reflect the joy and hope of Christ.
Joy is more than a passing emotion or a response to pleasant circumstances. It is a sacred practice, a conscious choice and an act of faith. Discouragement grows when we focus only on our problems, but joy returns when we remember God’s faithfulness and hold tightly to His promises.
Choosing joy does not mean ignoring our pain or pretending that life is easy. It means trusting that God is greater than whatever hardship we are facing. Our joy is rooted in who He is in His constant presence, unfailing love, and abundant grace.
May you sense God’s presence today. May you choose to remain encouraged and dare to embrace joy, even when life feels heavy. Jesus has already won the victory over evil, fear, and discouragement. As we choose joy, the enemy loses his influence, and the world is given a glimpse of the goodness and faithfulness of God.
“Always be joyful.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16 New Living Translation
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
