Being joyful does not depend on what's going on around you--it's the result of "right thinking" in the midst of your circumstances. Just like loving someone is a choice, you can choose to be joyful.
What generally causes us to go down the road of depression is our choice to allow lies to penetrate our thoughts without challenging them with the truth. I encourage you today to read the following from the book of Philippians and check out the steps below for tips on doing combat for your thoughts:
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers [and sisters], let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (Philippians 4:4-8)
Step 1: Ask yourself this question: "Is what I'm thinking about true?"
As Christians, we know that the word of God is true, and it addresses all sorts of issues in our lives, so we can use it as our guide for right thinking and also as ammunition against the lies.
Step 2: If you're unsure of the answer to the first question, ask yourself and ask God this next question: "What IS true? (in my life, in this situation...)
"True" also means "real." Things in the past and things in the future are not real today--the things of today are what we know as true or real. When you think about what is true, don't forget to include what the Bible says about God and about Jesus and the Holy Spirit--these things are always true!
More questions to ask: "Is what I'm dwelling on honorable and right? Is it pure, lovely or admirable? Is it excellent or praiseworthy?"
Step 3: Speak out what IS true--let your ears hear it and make the choice to believe it. Do this as often as you are tempted to believe the lies about yourself, others, God or your situation.
The battle over your thoughts is one that Jesus has already won, all we have to do is stay engaged and make the choice to depend on the Holy Spirit to infiltrate our hearts and our minds with His truth and you will find yourself choosing joy--what a victory!
photo by Cristina Chirtes
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