From Pity to Praise

I often write about choosing joy because it is a choice. It had been a hard day with fear, hurt and tears. One of those days that we know we are out of our control. After I knew things were fine I stayed sad, scared and stressed. I thanked God for being in control and then I sat right down at my very own pity party, feeling pitiful.

A few hours later, I got our PVMC churchwide email from Pastor Barry. "Happy Monday! What a joy this new week is! God's new beginning. We are God's creation, designed by Him for His purposes. That's how special you all are. As born-again people, one of the fruits of the spirit is joy. Does that fruit come forth, surface, within, and from us naturally and spontaneously? Our spiritual joy is a recognition of how deserving our God is, and it spontaneously shows our glory to Him. Are we allowing the freedom of our spontaneous joy? Our God is worthy. Glory to God."

OUCH! Here God is working everything out for me telling me not to stress because He’s got this! Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” He hears our call. Proverbs 15:29, “he hears the prayer of the righteous.” He is not going to leave me alone to handle this.

Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." My God is sooo deserving so I began praising Him! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." My day, my focus and my attitude immediately changed! Choose joy! Thanks be to God and Pastor Barry!