Precious Pearls

Soaring Day 4

6 Days of Suffering

&

6 Days of Soaring

Signifying 6 Years

May 30, 2023

“Joy Is a Choice”

“I Choose Joy” For King and Country

I had a choice to make. If you’ve been reading since my introduction,  you know I’ve mentioned this multiple times.  At the risk of sounding redundant, today’s focus is that choice!  We all face multiple decisions every day.  The choices we make direct our paths and often the ultimate direction of our lives. 

I don’t want to rehearse the negative here, but I can’t emphasize choice without reminding you of how terrible my situation was.  Between trauma— physical and emotional— and recognizing that my life had to change, I was constantly faced with choices.  James 1:2-6 provides the reason we face trials.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 

But let patience have its perfect work,

that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,

who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting,

for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.“

James 1:12 reminds us that remaining steadfast during trials results in the crown of life promised by God. 

Blessed is the man who endures temptation;

for when he has been approved,

he will receive the crown of life 

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

The verse that I clung to the most following the accident is II Corinthians 12:9. 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 

Recognizing that God’s power is made perfect in my weakness was the assurance that I needed.  This enabled me to choose joy.  Ultimately, my life’s goal is to bring glory to God.  I am His vessel, and He bought my life with His death on the cross.  Although this isn’t the context of I Corinthians 6:20, the general concept applies.

“For you were bought at a price;

therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 

Focusing on glorifying God in my body gave me (and continues to give me!) the goal of choosing joy.  At times I struggle to choose joy.  This excerpt from the chorus of today’s song encourages me in the pursuit of choosing joy.

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night
Oh, with You by my side, I’m stepping into the light
I choose joy”

I always enjoy reading Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” Although people may encounter similar struggles, we all have choice in how we approach them. Our approach is what makes the difference.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

When you face trials, remind yourself of the truths of Scripture.  Choose joy!  Not only is it better for you, but it will allow you to be a blessing to those around you.