My Joy Is My Job

Most of us are used to experiencing happiness as something on the outside. A promotion at work, a gift, or a vacation—all of these things make us happy. But the problem is that if happiness comes from something outside of you, then that means something on the outside can also take it away. There’s a better way than leaving the state of your happiness up to the whim of a good or bad day.

The word of God leads us to a really important truth here: our joy is our job.

Controlling your emotions isn't about suppression; it's about surrender to God. It's about saying, "God, I can't manage this on my own, but I trust that You can." We often try to handle things in our own strength, and that's when we get overwhelmed. But remember, God is not surprised by your emotions. He created you with the capacity to feel deeply, to love passionately, and yes, even to get angry. The psalms are filled with raw emotion, yet they always circle back to who God is and His faithfulness.

It's crucial to recognize that emotions are indicators, not dictators.They can indicate where your heart is at the moment, but you don't have to let them dictate your actions. Like when Elijah had to tell his servant to go back seven times until he saw a cloud, sometimes you have to tell your soul, "Look again. God is still good. His promises are still true." You have to preach to yourself sometimes, remind yourself of what you know to be true, even when your feelings are screaming the opposite.

The old you thought happiness came from the outside. It was something you chased, earned, built, or demanded. The new you knows that happiness comes from within… because the God of Peace is always with you.

The next time your circumstances begin to shake your perspective, remember that you have a choice. You can make the decision from within to own your emotions. That’s the secret of being content, of being strong, of not giving up: finding what you need inside of you, right where God put it.

Make your joy your job by shifting your mind to gratitude.One thankful thought is just as powerful as a negative one, and it’s something you can access at any moment. When you learn this and begin to really practice it in your life, then even when your situation is uncertain, your faith is not. When things don’t go your way, it doesn’t get you so down because you’re focused on a God who has been faithful and knows your future. God does His work, and you do yours.

Also, don't forget the power of praise. When you're feeling down, when you're anxious, when you're angry, that's the time to lift your voice and declare, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Your joy is your job; it's not dependent on circumstances or other people. It's a choice to focus on God's presence and power in your life, even when your emotions are trying to take the wheel.

Journal Prompt:

Your joy is your job. How can you begin to own your emotions this week to make that a reality?