O Lord of Joy, You have told me that “there is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under Heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Eccel 3:1-4) I have found that laughter is medicine for my soul … however, amid the stresses and struggles of each day, I sometimes forget to take my medicine. Instead of seeing what is going on around me with a mixture of optimism and hope … worries and distractions rob me of the joy You intended for me to experience. Somehow I need to change my focus from the negatives in life to the positives … from the hopelessness to hopefulness … and, from worry, doubt and impossibilities to confidence in Your promise that all things are possible through You. The next time I find myself falling prey to my enemy’s deceptions, I will draw closer to You and turn my thoughts to Your promises. I will view my glass as “full” rather than “half empty” because I know Your desire is to fill my life with prosperity and Your goodness. I will strive to hold my head up high, keep a smile on my face and hope for the best.
When my cheerful outlook fades, I will take Your advice and “clap my hands and shout out to You with a voice of triumph”. I will begin each day with gladness in my heart so I can face whatever comes my way to steal my cheerfulness. As long as I do not lose my focus on the fact that You reign in power over all things, then my heart will be able to rejoice in whatever state I find myself. For every difficulty I face, You have a truth in Your Word to combat it. As a result, my joy is complete. I am comforted in Your words which tell me that “Blessed are you who are hungry, because you will be filled. And, blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.” (Luke 6:21) Therefore, through Your power and love, I have been made an overcomer in all things.
As I think of those around me, the people who succeed best in life are cheerful, hopeful and go about their lives with joy in my heart. If I want others to listen to what I have to say, I must enjoy their company, offer them encouragement and demonstrate a genuine concern for their well-being. A cheerful attitude acts as a shock absorber for the rough spots in my life and steers me away from potholes that disturb my peace. I must always strive to maintain a good sense of humor in order to not take too serious the things that crop up in my life. I know that my love for You has put a spring in my step and a song in my heart. Optimism and cheerfulness are the by-products of my relationship with You. Today and every day, I want to see things through Your eyes so I am able to keep my perspective, hang on to my hope and see Your blessings scattered throughout my day. Therefore, as long as I follow Your lead, I will always be able to keep my perspective. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Isaiah 35:10 … gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.