Choose Joy

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Phillipians 4:8

The challenge in this verse is like many others, easier said than done. It seems like there is always something negative to take our attention away from the things of God. Fighting in Israel and Ukraine, political upheaval, and last but not least the daily things we deal with that drive us up a wall. It is easy to focus on all of the bad things going on, which just make this verse like something else we need to do or something else we are failing to do. And the sad thing is, without faith in Jesus, it is just another thing to do or fail at.

As believers we have the assurance of God’s love and our ultimate salvation. We can then look at this verse as a guidepost and an encouragement. We can choose joy, even amidst trials. We can have the peace that only God can give us, and we can show that to the world around us. 

Lydia Massie, Director of Children’s Ministry