Choose Peace and Joy

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Joy. Peace. These words are so easily thrown around, especially this time of year. Isn't it somewhat ironic that it is also this time of year that we find the highest reported rates of divorce, depression, and even suicide? We can throw around these words, but how do we grasp them, and how do we share them with a hurting world?

I know I'm often not feeling joy or peace. In the bigger picture: Life hasn't gone the way I planned it or wanted it, and I am often left feeling the sting of bitterness or loneliness. Or even in the smaller, everyday pictures: I just came home from Wal-mart. It is four days before Christmas and I had to struggle through the shopping mobs, wait in long lines, and listen to screaming, undisciplined children. There is no surer way to squash any lingering warm holiday fuzzies. Goodwill to men - bah humbug!

The problem is, I often confuse my steadfast peace and joy truths with my momentary feelings. Joy is not a fleeting moment of happiness I get from finding the right present, and peace is not the bit of calm I get after finally climbing back into my quiet car.

Joy and peace are really the deep and abiding gifts that I was blessed with the moment I chose to make Christ the Lord of my life. I may not always feel them, but they are now with me forever.

And it is my job to share.

No matter what my circumstances or feelings may be. I choose peace and joy--- to hold, to know, and to share.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4