Run Devil Run ~ CROWDER
Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I
will say it again. Be joyful! ~ Philippians 4:4 NIRV
I was so delighted to see the photo of Savannah's baptism
pop up in my Google memories from last year. It was a good day. Savannah had
been asking to be baptized for a while. When the opportunity presented itself,
Savannah met with church leadership and they agreed she was ready. For her
baptism, Savannah could have a family member help to baptize her. She picked me.
I was so honored to be part of her special moment!
These days feel so far from that moment in time, where
everything seemed perfect. Now, when the world is in constant chaos, it can
seem hard to find reasons to celebrate. But as Philippians 4:4 reminds us, because
we belong to the Lord, we can always be full of joy.
Often times, people—myself included—confuse joy with
happiness. Happiness is based on happenings: external events that happen to
us. Whereas joy is something that happens within us, because of our
relationship with Jesus. Pastor and author Rick Warren said joy is "the
settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the
quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the
determined choice to praise God in every situation."
Every day, we can choose peace and joy. Or we can join
the world's chaos and agree with everything that's wrong. Today, take a moment
to practice joy. Spend some time praising God for what He has done,
is doing, and will do in and through your life. Make the decision
to be joyful, always.
©Heather Potts 2020
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