CHOOSING JOY
On March 5, 1836, Colonel William Travis stood before 189 men at the Alamo. In an act that would be immortalized, he traced a line in the sand with his sword. He told the men that whoever remained would certainly die in battle the next day. He assured them that there was no shame in leaving, since many of them had families. He asked them to step across the line, if they chose to remain. Only one man, a French mercenary, chose to leave. The next day, the rest were slain by Santa Ana’s troops. (http://www.texasescapes.com/MikeCoxTexasTales/Line-in-the-Sand-Alamo-History.htm)
Each day we face the same decision as those men: to choose an attitude leading to life or one resulting in death—spiritually and emotionally. Joy, faith, and hope bring life; while fear, doubt, and despair lead to death.
My friend Dan Jocoy sent me this quote from Henri Nouwen. I am convinced we can choose joy. Every moment we decide to respond to an event or a person with joy instead of sadness. When we truly believe that God is life and only life, then nothing need have the power to draw us into the sad realm of death. To choose joy does not mean to choose happy feelings or an artificial atmosphere of hilarity. But it does mean the determination to let whatever takes place bring us one step closer to the God of life.
In the midst of incredible suffering, Job chose joy, even when happiness eluded him. He lost his health, wealth and family. His “friends” berated him. In his darkest moments, he blamed God for his troubles, but still clung to hope in the Lord. In Job 13:15 he states, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” When his afflictions ended, four times God referred to Job as “my servant Job” and gave him “double for his trouble” (42:7-12).
This has been a tough week for me—times I find myself weeping with a deep sense of loss. Of course, this is part of the grieving process, as I mourn Linda’s passing. But even in the midst of sorrow, I can still choose joy. I don’t have to wallow in self-pity, or allow myself to be buried in a pit of depression. That would be the opposite of helpful. Choosing joy is a daily battle for me, but it is perhaps the greatest weapon in times of sorrow.
Principle: Every day we can choose joy over despair.
Ponder:
In what situations do you find it difficult to choose joy?
What helps you during those times?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Job 42.
Prayer: Loving Father, during those times of darkness, it’s a battle to choose joy. Give me the strength to look to you with hope.