Choosing Joy in Christ

The first thing I do when my brain emerges from sleep each day is say ‘thank you’ to God for certain things. Most days, this takes me exactly nine minutes. I know this because this is how long my alarm allows me to “snooze”. Though I struggle to stay awake during this time, I have found great transformation in my heart as I’ve adopted this routine. I have found joy.

Did you know that “joy, rejoice, joyful” is mentioned 430 times in the Bible? (ESV) And did you know the first use of this word in the New Testament is in reference to discovering Jesus?

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10, ESV).

Does this mean that the world didn’t even know joy until meeting Jesus?

I know this is true in my own life.

Joy is a choice, whereas happiness is a feeling. I don’t always feel happy. In fact, I’m kind of a melancholy person a lot of the time. But choosing joy is something the Lord has been teaching me lately. And choosing to thank Him with my first thoughts each day has brought me to a place where joy can flow abundantly.

Having a joyful heart is having a thankful heart, a forgiving heart, a content heart, a compassionate heart, and a welcoming heart.

One of my favorite scriptures, one that I pray often, is Psalm 51:12. It says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (ESV). I love this because I forget the awesomeness of my salvation. In my humanness, I so quickly forget how God has saved me not only from eternal judgment but from a life void of hope and purpose. I need Him to restore my joy and to uphold me. I need Him to be my joy.

Reflect on the past few days, and as you do so ask yourself, "Have I been choosing joy? Or, have I forgotten the joy of my salvation?"

If you struggle with this (like I do), I want to encourage you to start by praying Psalm 51:12 over your life. He is a faithful God and will not fail you in this. Choose to be joyful today and see what He does in your heart.

Meet the Author
Hannah Carpenter

Hannah is a follower of Jesus, a mom to five, and a wife of 20 years. As a creative, she is passionate about bringing writing, painting, and beauty to the Lord as a form of worship. A true Wisconsinite, Hannah’s favorite place to be is on the lake with a good book, some snacks, and her family.