Joy

Do you believe that joy is dependent on your circumstances? Even though I may not believe that, I can tell you, I’ve sure acted like it’s true. I’ve experienced disappointment, discouragement, and betrayal. I’ve looked at the bill pile and then at the checkbook. I’ve looked at the broken washing machine and the six laundry baskets stacked nearby. Satan loves to make sure we’re living with a victim mentality. In fact, he is hoping that we’ll shake our fist and curse God. He’s hoping that our current challenges will cause us to doubt God’s goodness. When you’re struggling to have a good attitude, remember this: joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s evidence of God’s work in our lives, and it has nothing at all to do with our circumstances. Another by-product of joy is a changed attitude—and don’t moms want that for their children? Remember, we can’t give our kids what we don’t have. We can give in to our emotions, or we can choose our response. Let’s choose joy, moms! And let’s pray that our children learn to choose joy too. It starts with our example!

WHEN YOU NEED A REASON TO REJOICE . . .

I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,

for you have seen my troubles,

and you care about the anguish of my soul.

Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.

The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things!