Choose Joy

This past week at work was a little rough. I started a new position roughly 2 months ago, and to say the least, I'm still getting acclimated to everything. I was feeling a little defeated, but towards the end of the week, something clicked.

As I hopped in my car Thursday morning, I said "Hey Siri, play Good Day by J. Moss."

In that moment, I didn't know what the day would bring. I didn't know how work would go. But one thing I was determined about: I was gonna have a good day regardless.

A sweet woman that was a member of my church, Missionary Stewart, used to have Back-2-School rallies every year before she passed away. The last one she put together was super fun and I'll never forget it. We made crafts, we had a lit exercise session, but I think the best part of it all was the jam session we had to J. Moss' "Good Day". She wanted a good number of us to come up to the front of the room and just simply sing and dance to the song. She knew me so well that she didn't even give me the choice. Out of all the kids there, I remember her calling out a few of my friends and I. She said, "Uh-huh, c'mon Kiryn. You too. Get up here." Still makes me laughs.

I admire and miss her so much. And I wish I could tell her how much that moment meant to me. It didn't matter what emotions we were feeling when we walked in. But by the end of the rally, she wanted us to be happy and filled with joy. We actually listened and danced to the song about three times. She really wanted us to get that thang, okay?!

I keep that song close to my heart because it reminds me to stay uplifted, no matter what I'm going through.

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I'm such a church kid and I get excited when it's time for the scripture reading and someone chooses Psalms 34. (And you gotta have the right person read this one cause honeyyy, you gotta say this one with some joy and enthusiasm!)

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together..." Psalms 34:1-3 KJV

Thinking back on that experience, Missionary Stewart reminds me a lot of David. David didn't care what was going on. He declared that through everything, He would bless the name of the Lord! Just like David, Missionary Stewart said "C'mon! Get up here and magnify the Lord with me! Let's dance and sing and exalt His name together!" I just love that! She was always so joyful and whenever I saw her smiling and laughing, it made me happy too.

I want to encourage you today. No matter what you're facing, choose to be happy. Even when your circumstances make you want to dwell in sadness or anger. Remember, in last week's devotion, we talked about how God gives us choices! What choice(s) will you make today?

The choice of happiness is a powerful one. And I know it's not an easy one. But that's why we have God to lean on. He gives us that joy. He gives us that happiness...

For weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning! During a service I attended recently, Pastor Korey Mickie preached on this very scripture and pointed out three keywords: May, But, & Joy. Weeping MAY endure...it's not a guarantee. It may happen. BUT...(here's the good news) JOY comes in the morning. That's the sure thing...

reFRESHments

Read Psalms 30

Read Psalms 34

Song: Good Day - J. Moss feat. Kierra Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard

This week, I want you to find a scripture (or several) that you can quote or remind yourself of whenever you're feeling a little down. It could either be one of the scriptures mentioned in today's devotion or you can choose one on your own. Take it a step further and post it on something that'll always be in view (on your wall, a mirror, your phone lock screen, etc.) Stay encouraged and remember to lean on God. He's a very present help in times of trouble. (Psalms 46:1) I love you, & most importantly, God loves you too.