Choose Joy Ahead of Time

I was driving down the road today and accidentally  cut in front of another car.  He was in my blind spot.  I knew when I swerved back over for the car to pass by that he was going to "let me have it!"  And "let me have it" he did!  Thankfully, I had already choosen joy before he rushed up and lamblasted me with a very unfriendly holiday greeting. 


This time of year brings out the worst in people. Emotions run high and most people are living by what they feel not who who they know.

It sounds so trite to say “Choose Joy” in any situation, but you can.  It's a deliberate decision, an attitude, and it comes from asking the Spirit to fill you with whatever you need for that moment:  joy, patience, etc.  I instantly asked for self control because I knew I'd need it when he passed.   We have these attributes already in the well of our souls.  They've been willed to us by Jesus.  We just need to be quick to our feet and pull them up in a crisis.  


So here's the mindset of practicing JOY.    

 J = Joy  

 O = Zero

 Y = You 

Yes, nothing – ZERO – nothing – can separate you from the letting Jesus have His way in you when you're about to lose your cool.   So choose JOY.  That's my goal for the day.