Determining Joy...

I don’t know about you but too often I let my emotions talk a little too much… Just like this week.

It’s forecasted to be rainy all week long. I don’t mind a day or two of rain to rest and take it easy. But I really don’t like an entire week to be rainy; simply because I feel as though my energy has been zapped. The longer it’s rainy the easier it is for me to feel down and depressed. I only have so many peppy outfits and brightly colored nail polish.

But this got me thinking…

Peppy outfits, bright-colored nail polish and sunshine SHOULD’T BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR TO MY JOY!

My joy should come from God. But in today’s society it’s all too easy to slip into the trap of letting my circumstances determine my joy instead of God.

My joy shouldn’t come from seeing a lower number on the scale. It should come from knowing that I am made in the image of God and He thinks I’m beautiful (Genesis 1:26-27, Song of Solomon 4:7).
My joy shouldn’t come from how well I act each day because I am going to mess up (Romans 3:23). My joy should come from the grace that God gives me and the freedom that is found in Him (1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 3:17).
My joy shouldn’t come from the weather. It should come from knowing that God created this day for a reason and I have work to do in it (Psalm 118:24, 1 Corinthians 10:31).
My joy shouldn’t come from my social feeds. It should come from knowing that God has a unique plan for my life and a purpose for my days. If that looks different than someone else that’s okay because the ONLY ONE I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PLEASING IS GOD (Jeremiah 29:11, 2Timothy 2:9, Galatians 1:10).
My joy shouldn’t come from those around me. It should come knowing that God is with me always. People will come and go but God is eternal… He is always there and He completely understands us—because He’s been just where you are (Matthew 1:23, Hebrews 13:5, Is. 40:28, Hebrews 4:15).

Changing the way that we think and replacing the Devil’s lies with the truth found in the Bible isn’t easy. In fact, it’s taking the hard way. It’s being vigilant about how the Devil works in our lives and reaching out to God each and every moment—resisting the Devil’s temptations!

The truth is the Devil is real and he is prowling around looking for his next victim (1 Peter 5:8). But, here’s the good news: God is still here! He hasn’t given up and He’s helping each of His children resist the Devil when we draw near to Him. God ALWAYS provides a way out when we are tempted. It may feel like it’s the size of a tiny dog door but it’s there; we just have to ask God to show us the way out (James 4:8, Jeremiah 29:12-14, 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Our joy should be rooted in what Jesus did for us. He created us (He thought that the world needed some one just like you! Genesis 1:26-27). We messed up and went against His plan (Genesis 3). But He still wanted to be close to us so He created a way for us to be close to Him. He sent His Son down to this earth to pay OUR punishment (John 3:16). He took the pain that we deserved! That pain and punishment didn’t keep Him down though! Three days later–just as He said He would; He rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6)! Now, instead of being behind a curtain He lives in us if we let Him (Matthew 27:51, 1 Corinthians 3:16). He gave us His Spirit to help us each and every day. He helps us to live a life that is pleasing to Him (Romans 8:26-27). Day by day He transforms us more into His image (Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 3:18).

Until next time,

Bailey Sue

P.S. Like the image above? It’s available to purchase on products here! (: