Joy

About a month ago, I finally figured out what I have been lacking in my life: joy. So at my small group I asked my friends to pray for joy for me. I then made a note to concentrate on gratitude. I started reading Attitudes of Gratitude--a few stories each day in the morning. When I prayed to God I started by thanking him for all my blessings, whatever I could think of. And whenever I felt myself slip into something resembling envy or self-pity (which was pretty often), I took my thoughts captive and again gave God praise, thanked Him and then felt gratitude.

I find myself pondering, can it really be that simple? Is it just a matter of how I decide to think about something? Can I really change my thoughts? And the answer must be yes, it is that simple. And I believe if I take my thoughts captive to Christ, He can (and does) change them.

And I know this because I have JOY in my life! And my outward world has not changed for the better. In fact, some things have gotten worse. But inwardly, so much has changed. No longer will I listen to those negative voices that have always whispered in my ear, things like: you're not good enough; you're not smart enough; that does not look good on you; look at what those people have; you don't deserve that.

I now know that those are lies of the enemy and I can choose to not believe them. Yes, I CAN CHOOSE TO NOT BELIEVE THEM! It really is that simple to have Joy in your life.