THE MAIN THEME:  CHANGING YOUR WORLD

TITLE: CHOOSING JOY IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

Our bible verse for today’s devotional is: James 1:2 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Devotional

Neme had gained admission into the university and her joy knew no bounds, but the family is undergoing a terrifying financial setback and it is taking a toll on her upkeep allowance. The first semester she barely fed once a day; no transport fare to lectures, she had to trek a long distance daily, it was as if she was not going to survive this season of lack. But one notable thing about Neme is her ever cheerful and smiling face. She carried herself as if all is well, as if she lacked nothing.

One day another student came complaining to her that her parents didn’t buy enough clothes for her resumption and how that made her sad. Neme asked her, do you have foodstuffs; she said I have more than enough, Neme asked her do you have pocket money, she said yes that too was well provided for her. Neme told her that she is blessed and should be grateful for what she has.  She reminded her of her own struggles and how she is navigating her season with joy. She made her see reason to be thankful and grateful for what her parents were able to provide. 

When asked why she was always wearing a cheerful disposition, Neme told them that her joy is not dependent on what she has or lacks and that life is lived on the basis of choices we make on a daily basis.  Phil 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice. God knows that we will go through some hard times in life, that is why he wants us to always guard our joy, making it an integral part of our life. You can choose to make a deliberate conscious choice to think about the right things; you have health, your family and relationships, brain functioning well, your whole body is serving you, it is worth being joyful for.

What robs us of our joy is when we believe the lie of the enemy that we are forsaken or left alone.  Isa 40:10 says Fear not for I am with you. Remember joy is a fetcher; with joy you can draw from the well of salvation all the promises encoded in your walk with God.

Our greatest joy will be that we know God, love Him and obey his words. It will be that we are vessels of honour in his hand and that God can touch, heal, deliver humanity through us.

Here are a few reflective questions:

• How can I cultivate a sustainable sense of joy that isn't simply escapism, but a resilient inner strength that allows me to engage with the world's challenges with both compassion and hope? 
• Phil 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done

Let us Pray:

Thank you, Lord, for your word to me today. I choose the joy which comes from knowing that I am loved and that you are mindful of me, I choose to always be full of joy today and always in Jesus name Amen

Please say these words of affirmation after me. Say them, mean them, own them and live them:

1. I choose to find moments of joy, even amidst challenges.
2. My joy is a source of strength and resilience.
3. I am worthy of experiencing happiness and creating positive moments.

Go ahead, go and shine because you can. I’ll see you tomorrow.

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