Choose Joy!

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. ~ Proverbs 17:22 AMP

As we approach the end of 2012, my heart is so full of joy! I'm thankful for this year and excited about the year to come! 2012 has had it's share of good and bad, but regardless of the things that didn't go my way, I still choose to have joy. I refuse to overlook all the good while focusing on the things that were uncomfortable.

Every single person has good and bad experiences. However, we all have a choice to make. Will we maintain peace, happiness, and joy no matter what we face in this life? We can't get stuck in a bad experience and refuse to move beyond that moment. We can't let a failure define who we are. Mountains and valleys are part of life and they help make us who we are. We have to learn from those bad times and let it make us a better person.

If we choose to be defined by a bad experience, we may forfeit the abundant life that God has for us. We have to keep going and refuse to quit. We can't become bitter and resentful. We can't be angry with ourselves, other people, or God for the difficulties that life has brought our way. We have to let it go and keep walking toward our destiny.

The joy of the Lord is our strength! Choose to walk in that joy no matter what life throws your way. Remember, whatever you are facing, this too shall pass. Don't get stuck in that bad moment. Also, don't get stuck in a good moment. We have to keep moving forward. The best thing that God has done in our lives so far doesn't even compare with what is still ahead of us! The best is yet to come! Keep looking up! Keep your eyes on Jesus and be determined to fulfill the purpose that you were created for!