The Choice

Everyday I wake up I am presented with a choice. Circumstances and situations may press about me but they do not have to influence my inner state. By that I mean my level of peace and joy. It seems so easy to let the things around me determine my mindset. Will I be joyful and peaceful? Or will I let the cares and worries and troubles around me steal that precious gift from God?

"Choose this day whom you will serve." Joshua 24:15. I have a choice. No one can make it but me. It is not someone else's fault if I am crabby or unsettled. Even if my own body is in pain or just not feeling well is not a reason to go under and become negative. My spirit does not feel pain.

Did I say this would be easy? No, not necessarily. But it is a choice. So I choose this day to walk in peace moment by moment. If I stumble and fall, I will repent and get back up to continue in that peace and joy.

Actually, I am not doing this in my own strength. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:13. For when I am weak, He is strong to work through me.

But I believe that God leaves the choice up to us. He will not make us follow Him. So I must choose.

Then after I choose, I must act. Put on "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Isaiah 61:3. Start speaking it out. Praise God for his promises. Thank Him for his faithfulness and blessings. Put on music that you can sing along with to praise God.

Pray. Talk to my Heavenly Father. Give over to Him all the things that are tumbling around in my head. What about this bill? What about the future? What about____? As I give these things over to God, I am trusting Him to take care of them. I believe we must walk by faith. Sure, I have to do what I can do but most of those thoughts are things beyond my control. What a relief to turn them over to God.

Use my sword. (Eph. 6:17) Jesus combated the evil one with "it is written", the Word of God. When the fears/worries/thoughts come swirling around like a fog, stand up and say, "No! It is written...." and then quote the Bible verse that applies to that concern. This requires preparation. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind the truths that I have tucked away in my heart. So I must be in the Word to know the heart and character of God and what He does for me. At times, I have even written out a "Lies vs. the Truth" list. That is very helpful to combat the wrong thoughts with the appropriate scripture that refutes it.

So today will be a peaceful day. Today will be a joyful day. Even if I fall and scrape my nose, I will get back up and choose once more to follow Him.
Psa 37:23, 24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psa 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

May your day be filled with peace and joy.
Gloria