Thankful Thursday ~ Choosing Joy

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
(Psalm 51:10-12 ESV ~ emphasis added)

Sometimes we think that happiness equals joy. But the truth is that it is not even close. Currently I am listening to Kay Warren’s “30 Day Choose Joy Devotions“. Each message is only about 3 1/2 minutes long, but her reflections are very powerful. Maybe you want to give it a try?

You see, joy does not come from people, possessions, or positions. True joy comes from God. Not just joy, but peace and comfort. Although I always have had quiet time in the morning, I have changed my habit. Instead of getting up at 4:30am (last possible minute too), I changed it to 4am.

Sure, it was at first a little hard to get up 1/2 an hour earlier, but it is so much worth it for me. I am not rushed to read my devotions and God’s Word. And sometimes I just sit quiet and meditate on His Word.

I am thankful that God continues to guide me and even helps me grow. The extra 1/2 hour has made the world of difference on how I approach my days. I choose joy, His JOY.

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today; remember: sometimes it takes a change in your habits to grow.

Love and peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Relax Your Grip
2. Praying The Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage
3. “Hope” List
4. Simply Helping Him ~ Our Moments
5. Come Unto Christ
6. jhunnelle @ choosing life
7. How Meal Planning Has Helped Me
8. Calgon, take me away!
9. bp
10. Deidra M@ The Middle
11. life by ashley pichea
12. Dancing in the Rain
13. lorig
14. Ms. Kathleen – Contentment: To Live is Christ
15. Style N Season: He Will Complete The Good Work In You
16. Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
17. Edwards Granddaughter

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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7 Replies to “Thankful Thursday ~ Choosing Joy”

  1. Joy is a hard thing to come by we think. Yet resting in Him is where we find it! He is our joy! Thank you for the wonderful post and reminder! 🙂

  2. I try to find joy in everything that I do.

    Currently it’s not easy because we’re a military family and my hubby is away, but I’m trying really hard to just see the small things around me and concentrate on that 🙂

    Loved reading your post.

  3. “joy does not come from people, possessions, or positions. True joy comes from God.” What a fabulous truth and how reassuring that our joy in not dependant on that which changes but the unchanging God.

  4. Iris, I have been working on changing my prayer life and as for devotions I find myself reading many throughout the day at times. I’ve also been reading through the Bible, from beginning to end! I’ve never done that before. I’ve read books but never from cover to cover. Joy is to me internal and so spiritual…

    Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns! 1 Chronicles 16: 31 Have a fabulous day!

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