I just love Spring! Although my aging body and mind do not like the "spring forward" time change, I just adore the blooming trees, petunias, tulips, birds singing and the beautiful orchid plants we just received from precious friends! It's so easy to be joyful this time of year! I can remember living in Chicago in the dark days of winter (and sometimes Spring!) and letting the darkness rob me of my God-given joy. Somehow we let outside influences rob us of what is rightfully ours - "The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, gooodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23). They are within a believer whether they feel it or not. I love Tim Keller who says "joy is always on the way"...that gives me such hope!
What are some things that derail us? Debra Fileta says the following 5 habits sabotage our joy:
1. Comparing (our lives with others) - we cannot see what God is doing in our life if we are always looking at the lives of others that we think are better.
2. Complaining - She says "happy people don't complain". That's a pretty high standard but a good warning!
3. Competing - Don't use others as your measuring stick; use God's word. God's plan is special for you.
4. Controlling - When we let go, "Someone greater takes control".
5. Criticizing - Find the good in others and in yourself.
She closes with: "Happiness as the world defines it may not always be possible, but no matter where you are in life, you have the ability to choose joy."
In our Bible study discussion this moring, we talked about the Ephesians 4:17-32 passage where Paul was admonishing the Gentile believers to "put off" their former way of life (v. 22) and to "put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (v. 24) Do you know what verse is between those two? "to be made new in the attitude of your minds"! He told them to begin to think differently...we can do that! We can think "lovely things" and wind up thinking joyfully! Yes, please!!
For further study: 1 Chron. 16:27, Neh. 8:10, Psalm 21:6, Hab. 3:17-18, Romans 12:12, Gal. 5:22-23, Phil. 4:4, 1 Thess. 5:16-18, James 1:2.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
