Kim Wilbanks

I could feel my anxiety increasing as the talking head droned on and on. Blah, blah, blah. I rolled my eyes and thought to myself, “enough already”.  But, there was no escaping.  My husband finally reached over and changed the radio station to something more pleasant.  He either sensed my growing anxiety or had tired of the babble himself.  I was just happy to have something different to listen to for the last hour and a half of our drive home.

I immediately recognized the distinctive beat of the song on the Contemporary Christian radio station.  “Oh, I love this song!”  Of course I had to sing along even though my husband looked at me like I had lost it.

Nearly every morning, since that drive home a week ago, the same song has popped into my head.  Hmmmm, maybe it’s a message I’m supposed to hear.

The song?  “I Choose Joy” by the group For King and Country.  Click here to watch the video You Tube.

It is an upbeat tune that brings a smile to your face. You cannot help but feel joy when you hear it.

After several mornings awakening to this song in my head, my thoughts turned to choosing joy.

I can choose joy when:

• I’m still mourning the loss of my dog
• I’m missing my children
• I’m unsure of what to do next
• I’m frustrated with my body’s sudden aversion to certain foods
• I’m unfamiliar with the woman in the mirror who does not match my imagination
• I’m stressing about how fast time passes
• I’m upset that things are not going as I planned
• I’m alarmed by current events
• I’m saddened by loved ones facing difficult times

I can choose joy in all of life’s circumstances, even the more difficult ones.  I can choose joy because of the hope I have for a better future.

How?  A better question is who?

I can choose joy because of God and the promises found  in His word, promises like

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

“In my Father’s house are many homes. If it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

I’m so thankful I heard that song when I did.  It reminded me to choose joy at a time when I was not particularly feeling joyful.  After listening to that upbeat song, I felt more joyful and less anxious.  Thinking about the words of that song every morning since, sets the tone for the day.

I can choose joy.  I will choose joy.