We often hear about ‘choosing joy’—a phrase that’s easy to say but harder to live. This year, I had to put into practice some lessons I had known in theory. I had heard and learnt about the concept of choosing joy. It was all head knowledge until situations arose where I literally had to choose joy.
Choosing joy for me had to do with letting go of fear and anxiety. It also had to do with living and carrying out my normal activities while waiting for situations to change. I had two occasions to choose joy. Both times had to do with me moving to a different city. The first time, I did move, but the moments that led to me moving were filled with fear and anxiety. I spent each day worrying about how I would start over. Christ said that worrying does not add anything to you. I should have listened. I ended up moving and I turned out to be the best decision I made at the time. I really should have used the time I spent worrying to do more productive things. The second time, I had to be conscious of the fact that this was another opportunity to choose joy. It was tough, but here are two things that helped me.
Firstly, I switched my focus from what wasn’t working to what was working. I took time to go over the year and count my blessings. I sought out my little and major wins. I also remembered times I spent fussing over things I had no control over and those things eventually turned out alright. So that’s one thing. If you have time, list out the things that you have won at - things that bring you joy and remind you of moments when you felt genuinely happy. Doing this reminded me that I had experienced more difficult times and it also reassured me that I will be fine. It made me grateful for how far I had come and I knew that what I was going through in that moment was not the end.
The second thing I did was stay positive. I knew I had prayed regarding that situation and received a confirmation from God. So, whenever I was tending towards fear and anxiety, I had to remind myself again of what God had said. I made sure that what I was saying was in alignment with what God had said. Sometimes, I’d say something totally opposite to my situation, and doubt would make my heart would flutter a little. It was not easy initially. I made it an intentional habit to say what God had said, regardless of how I felt or what I was seeing. That created joy within me and gave me the strength to carry about my daily activities, living while I was waiting. So, if you have gotten a word from God as regards a particular situation, stay with it. Believe it with everything you’ve got cause that is one way you would not sink into fear and anxiety.
Admittedly, it’s not easy to choose joy. Everyone’s situation is different. It might seem easier to stay in a dark room and stop living while you’re waiting (this only works if you do not have an on-site 9 to 5). However, the rewards of choosing joy outweigh that of giving in to fear. Choosing joy while waiting will help you appreciate and enjoy the answers when they finally come.
If you’re currently going through a tough situation, I hope you remember that you are not alone. I hope my piece helps you choose joy. Please, don’t spend too much time fussing over things you cannot control. Faith over fear, always.
Essie.