This hill is arduous. This rock won’t move. This problem refuses my will in resolving it. The wrongs won’t be right. These songs remind me of the sad moment I wrote them. This dawn is cloudy. This rain sure is cold. These raggedy old jeans are on their last thread. August ends my summer. Good times never last. People are all too busy. These fries are too small. This drink too warm and this sky too crimson.

This life presents the troubles. Very little is suitable or in agreement with vision I had for it. My reactions to stimuli, good, sad, awful or bad may if left to their devices define my universe. Is my identity that simple that it is easily reflected by my knee jerk reactions or inadequacies determining the quality of my afternoon? Does the weather make my day? Am I so inexperienced or convinced that I am a product of circumstance that an episodic event whether good or bad creates the boundaries of my joy or lack thereof?

Understanding and choosing joy requires a litany of emotional context. For example, to truly be fulfilled or overwhelmed in joy we must have thorough regard of: fun, contentment, laughter, silliness, beauty, love, worth, purity, life, innocence and victory. That is why joy is infinitely superior to the simple quest or pursuit of happiness. Joy comes in the midst of trouble. Joy remains in the midst of pain. Joy is free and self-sustaining. Joy is outwardly focused to change the world where happiness is all about me.

Joy is also the key to invitation of the Holy Spirit’s intervention, direction and education. Especially in the times of trouble, trial, doubt and painful circumstance it curbs the swell, lessens the pain and keeps us close to God. Joy is the secret to establishment and wielding of the Fruits of Spirit. For when we choose joy in the middle of conflict or unpleasantry we are saying to God, “Lord I welcome this pregnant opportunity, trial or training”, allowing the Lord to transform us more readily. When we see the world through joy then we no longer dread the trials and temptations but await them in the confident knowledge that they will lead us to perfection as Patience, Peace and Love temper the learning.

This life is about choice that is why the enemy uses the word choice to explain away the eradication of life yet realized. For each action is preceded by thought and therefore it is the willful act an accountability for choosing that commits us to review in God’s Day of judgement. Additionally, the choice of everlasting life through forgiveness in Christ is done by choice to spend eternity with Him instead of in dreadful separation meant for Satan and the fallen angels. Why not choose Joy? It will be on the list of the most powerful choices that you ever made and enhance the quality of this life while preparing you rapidly for the next.