Pathways Press.com

Written by Kirstyn Mayden, a contemporary author, ministry coach, and speaker.

Finding joy each day is not an emotion, but a decision. When you wake up each day, you may be faced with many situations and circumstances that attempt to steal your joy. For instance, a misunderstanding, a rude driver, an aggressive co-worker, an unruly child, or an abrupt change of your plans. I often find myself letting a minor occurrence rub me so much the wrong way that I remain upset about it for the rest of the day.  Thankfully, God has shown me it’s not healthy and fruitful to allow my emotions to dictate my state of mind and outlook. He desires for me to seek the joy of the Lord. When your emotions consume you, you are allowing yourself to remain frustrated, exhausted, and generally not at peace. That’s why finding your joyful place is a daily commitment, where you make a conscious decision to let God be your peace and anchor every day.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11]