"You may not have control of what happens to you, but you can control how you respond."
Hey friend.
Are you feeling the weight of the world today? If so, this one's for you.
This week as I scrolled through Instagram and turned on the news I’m faced with more and more heartbreaking, catastrophic and hard hitting issues. Things that we absolutely shouldn’t ignore and must always lean in to with prayer and help where we can. However, if we aren’t careful, we can also let this completely consume us and rob our joy. There’s no denying that we live in a world full of hate and clothed in selfishness. It’s becoming increasingly harder to ignore the big issues popping up around every corner and knocking on our back door. It’s okay that we feel heart broken and deeply saddened and we should, but we can also and at the same time, hold onto the joy that’s inside of us.
I’ve faced this decision many times in my life, as I’m sure a lot of us have in some way or another. My story could’ve easily been one of hardship, pain and “woe is me”, but I decided early on that was no way to live. Believe you and me, I don’t get it right all of the time, but I try to always remind myself that I have a choice here. I can use this testimony for good and maybe just maybe inspire, encourage and help someone else who’s facing a similar battle. If I can do that then what I’ve walked through is always worth it. And that helps me to choose hope and choose to position myself to seek the good and remain positive.
Joy is constant and based on a faith filled decision, happiness is fleeting. Joy is a deep sense of hope, happiness is based on emotions that any given moment brings. My source of joy is eternal, happiness is circumstantial. Joy is an inward peace, happiness is an outward reflection. Joy is lasting, happiness is temporary. Joy gives us the power to go again.
Let's be clear, it’s not wrong to want to live a happy and joyful life, but when the hard news comes the joy is what will carry us through and help us to see outside of the current situation.
Today my prayer is that in whatever circumstance you’re facing you will be able to hold onto joy. That you’ll be able to taste the goodness that’s around you. That you’ll lean on the source of joy to fill you up and carry you through.
