Creating Joyful Hearts

Each day we are given opportunities to be joyful, despite our circumstances.

When unexpected circumstances arise we can approach them one of two ways. First, we can become instantly upset and frustrated by them, which is the most common (speaking from personal experience) or we can use these opportunities to react how God wants us to react.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I will admit, it can be difficult to respond joyfully every single time, but if we learn to pause before reacting, we allow ourselves that brief moment to follow God's will and not our own.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

While traveling on the coast a week ago we were told a section of a road was closed temporarily and that we would have to wait an hour and a half before it would reopen. So this circumstance made me realize that we could sit there and be frustrated thinking of how this would affect our plans or we could make the best of the situation. So we decided to play games to pass the time. Not only did time actually go by faster, but it created moments of laughter for us as well.

Here's a few ways we can begin creating joyful hearts:

1. Immerse yourself in the Bible every day.

2. Memorize Bible verses that encourage you, reflect on them throughout your day.

3. Keep Bible verses around your house, in your car, and at work or school.

4. When a negative situation arises, before you react or respond to it, immediately tell yourself to stop and pause. Use this time to redirect your thoughts.

5. Pray and ask God to help you in that difficult moment.

6. Remind yourself that EVERY experience is an opportunity to respond in a positive way or to do God's will.

7. Ask yourself how you can change your attitude about the situation and follow through.

8. List 5 things you are grateful for every day. (not always easy to do, but necessary)

9. Always look for the silver lining with EVERY situation.

10. The Bible tells us to be thankful in all circumstances and to pray continually, we would be wise to do so.

Proverbs 3:13

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.

Friends, I hope you are encouraged to look at your own circumstances differently and to find ways to be joyful, despite the way you may feel. Remember, feelings are temporary. We always have the option respond in a positive way, even when it goes against our human nature.

Exodus 24:3

When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, "Everything the Lord has said we will do."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime