In Others’ Words: Choose Joy

I am often surprised at how quickly I I can “un-choose” joy.

I’m having a successful day — one where my heart is settled on joy. Again and again and again, come what may.

And then something happens. Or someone happens. Life disappoints me in a variety of small ways or one very big way.

And I stop choosing. I let go of joy. I look away from joy — and am overwhelmed by circumstances. All of the realities … and even some of the maybes.

No more choosing joy.

My friend Rachel has set her heart on joy. She’s chosen joy over and over again so that it has become the true north of her heart.

She has an eyes-wide-open joy – the kind of joy that stays when contentment comes easy and the kind of joy that stays when circumstances gang up on you.

There’s more to today’s Henri Nouwen quote and it’s worth sharing:

“[Joy] is a choice based on the knowledge that we belong to God and have found in God our refuge and our safety and that nothing, not even death, can take God away from us.”

And there you have: the way back to joy when we lose sight of it.

Can’t find joy? Remember that you belong to God. (1 John 4:4 NLT)

Can’t find joy? Remember that God is your refuge. (Deut. 33:27 NIV)

Can’t find joy? Remember that God provides you safety. (Psalm 121:7 NIV)

Can’t find joy? Remember that nothing, nothing, nothing can take God away from you. (Romans 8:38-30 NAS)

In Your Words: What do you do when you can’t find joy? What helps you choose joy? Who in your life exemplifies joy? 

Keep Choosing Joy #lifequotes #henrinouwen
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4 Reasons to Choose Joy #lifequotes ##henrinouwen
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You’re invited! Want to help me plan Bellamy’s wedding for my novella, Can’t Buy Me Love? The novella releases next May and I’m writing it this month. Visit this blog post for more details.

Help @bethvogt plan the the destination #wedding for her 2015 novella Can't Buy Me Love!...
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