A Feather in the Wind

A rushing wave tossed in the ocean...

Or a battered feather, forced to fly on in whatever direction the wind wills.

So often in life, it seems like these things are our lives! 

We just go about our lives living normally when suddenly a gust of pain blows us a direction we weren't expecting.

Other times it seems like everything is going so well when, out of nowhere, the ocean of life circumstance bubbles up and throws us somewhere against our will.

These moments in life are what we often refer to as our "dark moments" or, in christian terms, our "trials."

Sometimes these painful moments seem to envelope us, giving us no choice in the matter as to how life goes or how we live our lives.

These moments are real. Too real. Pain and misfortune happens to good people. 

It seems to me that pain, at least in this current world, is inseparable from life.

However, it would also seem that the level of darkness in our dark moments is partially dependent on us.

'What on earth are you talking about? Life happens and I can't do anything to change that!'

You're right, but what happens in life does not necessarily dictate what we do!

A strong temptation in painful moments is to essentially turn off the proverbial lights and let the darkness fully envelop us. Giving in to grief, sadness and misery is the tempting and natural reaction. 

It almost gives off a weird sort of comforting feeling to rest in despair.

This was never where we were meant to live!

So often, we let life, pain, and grief determine our feelings and actions.

I can tell you now from experience, this is not the only option!

In every painful moment where we want to let go and give into misery, the same chance exists to choose joy!

Nehemiah declares this truth when he says "the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh 8:10)

Unlike happiness, a powerful emotion that relies on circumstances to feed it, joy is an equally powerful thing that does not rely on circumstance but is instead chosen.

How do you choose joy?

By believing that the God of the universe has your back and that he will make things work out for your good (Rom 8:28).

Here are some practical tips:

- Find Scripture that speaks of God's covenant promises to his children (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 37).

- Verbally declare your choice out loud to yourself (i.e. "I choose to live in God's joy today!").

- Avoid putting yourself in positions that will feed sadness (i.e. In your room alone with the lights off).

- Be active and social. Get some sun while you're at it! : )

- Thank God for the things he has already blessed you with

Joy is a definitely daily choice, especially in hard times, but a choice it remains.

You see, though we may feel like it, we aren't feathers blown by the wind.

We are not simply prey to our circumstances or emotions.

We have the unique chance to choose joy over sadness.

You may not feel like choosing joy. 

It may seem a whole lot nicer to lay around in sadness.

There's a good chance choosing joy will be difficult, but it is so worth it!

Let me challenge you today.

Don't be a feather blown in the wind. 

Don't be a wave tossed around by emotion and circumstance, no matter how hard it may be.

Make the choice to tell yourself, "Today, I choose joy!"

¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
   you will fill me with joy in your presence,
   with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

- Psalm 16:11