Heb 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.
For years before I moved to a new classroom, I had affixed to the back of my door Charles Swindoll’s quote that “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” When I moved to my new room, I surrounded myself instead with reminders to “Choose joy!” The messages are slightly different, but their heart is the same—every second of every day we are given the opportunity to choose our attitude. And when I choose to glorify my Savior instead of wallowing in my misery, I have offered to Him a sacrifice of praise, choosing His joy over my circumstances.
Psalm 126:3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
How I wish I could say that I always choose joy. Unfortunately, I still struggle daily with making the choice to focus on His abundant blessings instead of my troubles. I think that propensity is a mark of my humanity, my desire for good things in and of this world. I know that the world’s ways are empty and fruitless, and I’m working on weeding out its influence. God knows my heart. In the meantime, I’ll continue to try to choose joy at every opportunity, one moment at a time.
Psalm 31:7 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.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the gift of Your love and forgiveness. Thank You for knowing my heart, for understanding that even when I struggle to choose joy, I love You more than anything. Help me to root out the earthly part of myself. Help me to see my life through Your blessings. Help me always to offer You a sacrifice of praise. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Have a blessed day.