Why choose Joy?

I'd like to start this blog off by stating the obvious. I'm not a writer. However, God can use even the most pointless sentences and drive them into the heart of someone who needs to hear them. So if this is't speaking to you stop right here and continue on with your day, but if it is I challenge you to continue reading and let the spirit work.

James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Going through the aspects of daily life I began to realize how many high and low points there are even on a basic level. Waking up 5 minutes late or 5 minutes early can be a game changer on whether or not I have a positive outlook on the day. How can I choose to be happy when I get cut off in traffic on the way to work, or there's a surprise quiz in my first class of the day? The list of things that decide the outcome of my day go on. However there's a little secret to finding joy that really isn't a secret and the knowledge should be spread all over the world. That secret is in Jesus Christ the saver of souls.

Now I don't want you to get the idea that once you choose to follow Jesus all of your problems will immediately disappear, I think that idea is overplayed and below the Truth that comes from God's word. There will be trials, and there will be temptation, but the God of all creation is with you along the way. All he asks of you is to believe that his son Jesus died and was raised again for the good of mankind. If you accept this reality into your heart the only option is to repay him by living life glorifying God, and sharing his love with others. Once you've come to that realization there is no reason to not find joy in every situation because you have an eternal Father who wants to know you and see you grow to know him.

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

There are plenty of opportunities to overlook the joys in life, but there are also plenty of opportunities to embrace the joy that comes from salvation. We are told to let our lives reflect Christ in order to draw others near to him. If others don't see the change in our lives from knowing our savior, why would they want to be a part of Christianity? Let the joy of being content with any obstacle that is thrown into your life shine like a city on a hill. Circumstances may be that we lose every possession on this earth, but whatever issues we have, we have a Father who is out of this world and is waiting for us to run to his arms.