Tuesday, June 28, 2016

finding true joy.

Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. 
-Henri J.M. Nouwen 

Isn't that quote so true?! Joy isn't just a one time thing and we're joyful for the rest of our lives. We have to daily go to Jesus and ask Him for it.

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, then you know how much I love that little word and that I strive to daily choose joy. It isn't always easy and sometimes I get grumpy. But I often realize how selfish that is and how much more satisfying it is to be joyful.

Finding joy isn't something we can do on our own. We can't find it in people or circumstances, but in Christ, and Him alone. Some things may give us temporary joy, but God is the only One who can offer us lasting joy.

I truly have so much energy when I am seeking the Lord and choosing joy! Just like Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The joy of the Lord is my strength."  That verse has become very special to me in the last couple of months. Some days I quote that verse over and over again because I need both joy and God's strength to get me through each day.

I challenge you to seek God in everything that you do and choose JOY. No one on this earth will give you more joy and fulfillment than Jesus Christ. //

{Are you seeking Jesus and choosing joy, even during the difficult times?}
. . .

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, let God be magnified. Psalm 70:4

3 comments:

  1. Hannah (your aunt)July 2, 2016 at 11:09 AM

    Really appreciated this post, Tashia. What you're saying is so true. I love how you brought out the part that the joy of the Lord is our strength--I'd never really thought about it like that but yes, it does energize you! And I was thinking how joy is a fruit of the Spirit and it reminded me of how abiding in Christ and walking in the Spirit will bring about that fruit in my life. So thank you for that challenge to keep seeking Christ and focusing on Him. Focusing on Jesus = JOY
    Love you, Hannah
    "You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence." -Acts 2:28 NKJV

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  2. Trying to! ;) Thank you for this reminder that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that He is the only One that brings true lasting joy. And also for the challenge of seeking Him and choosing joy (as you said sometimes over and over) everyday. Really good post. 💙

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