Confession time…last week I allowed my circumstances to steal my JOY! One trial led to the next and very quickly things were out of my control. I desperately wanted to fix what had been broken. My eyes were on the fixing instead of remaining focused on the ONE who can fix all things. Have you been there? If we’re honest with ourselves it happens more often than we care to admit. Our joy is contingent on our circumstances. It’s the “if…then” way of living. If this happens then I will be happy. If I get that new job…if my husband does this…if my kids do that…when we get our new house then…when the cancer is gone…when my bank account has this much money, oh how the list could go on and on.

Look at what Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that MY joy may be in you and that YOUR joy may be complete.” John 15:11

“When things are going well, we feel elated. When hardships come, we sink into depression. But TRUE JOY transcends the rolling waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus daily will keep us level-headed, no matter how high or low our circumstance.” The footnote to John 15:11

I love how His joy is in us to make us complete. When you really stop and meditate on this thought it will take your breath away. We have, at all times, HIS JOY in us. We can call on Him to help us despite our difficult days. Have you ever watched someone go through a trial and you thought how in the world are they so strong and positive? This is how they do it. They are a living example of someone who is walking in relationship with Christ. He is faithful. He does not disappoint. He helps us conquer our fears and face each day with courage. He helps wipe away the tears when the news is bad. He comforts us and holds our hand when the loved one is gone. He gives us strength to keep getting up and trying again. I don’t know about you, but these truths bring JOY to my heart.

So how will you choose to live today? You can do hard things! You can overcome! You can have JOY despite your circumstances. CHOOSE JOY friends…dig down deep and ask Him to help you. When you do you will radiate to the world…you will be CONTAGIOUS and others will want to be like you. So get out there and do it. Cause other frowns to be turned upside down because the JOY living inside of you is MORE powerful than the difficult of all our days. Last week was a good lesson for me. I had to get back to Him, and He was as faithful as He has always been. I am going to work hard to choose JOY today. Join me!

I had the pleasure of going to see Casting Crowns this week at the San Antonio Rodeo with my girls and precious friends. It was my Valentine’s present from my husband, and it came in His perfect timing. It was the first time I had ever seen them in concert and they were the REAL DEAL! Every song that has been written has a story. This one I share with you today was written when the lead singer was diagnosed with cancer. A time when life was hard, yet he never walked alone. Now these words encourage many as we face our own trials. Take a moment to enjoy the words today and JUST BE HELD!  Blessings friends!!!  #truth #gloryup