Choose joy

I thought I had a pretty great understanding of the skill of “choosing joy” at the beginning of 2020. The Lord helped train my eye to focus on the joy through Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” And while this is an imperative step in choosing joy, Jesus definitely had more in store for the year. Over the last few months, choosing joy has evolved into much more than making an active decision to focus on “such things.” It has become evident that this skill has everything to do with tuning into the eternal perspective. Choosing joy is captured in the essence of James 1:2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,  whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” This verse is in tune with the eternal perspective. I believe these two principles within Philippians and James are the key to “choosing joy.” Practicing this is truly an art during this chaotic chapter of life – and such a fun lesson to learn. I am confident the Lord is teaching me this now so I am able to use this skill abroad.