| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Renewed hope” Our Bible verse for today: “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11 Our thought for today: “Choose joy” It’s rather striking how many verses in both the Old and New Testaments urge us to choose joy. Many of those verses and passages are directive, even commanding. Psalm 32:11 is one example, “Be glad … rejoice… shout for joy …” Philippians 4:4 is another, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Psalm 118:24 is a little less directive but the intent is the same, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Likewise, Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The message is clear: choose joy. However, this implies a decision must be made and action must be taken for this to occur. We must want it and we must take action to achieve it. This is an important understanding because sometimes we act as if being joyful and finding renewed hope is something magical that God just makes happen for us – as if it requires no effort or action on our part. But it does require effort and action on our part. If you want to feel better then you will have to do something about it. Pray about it; read the Bible; turn off the news and turn on uplifting Christian music; spend some time with positive and encouraging brothers and sisters. Feeling better will also require us to look for the good in each day and to celebrate it. I have told you before about one of my favorite uplifting books, “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews. In that book we are taught seven simple decisions we can make and renew every day to improve the quality of our lives. The fifth of the seven decisions is “I choose to be happy.” Here’s my personal version of that decision: “Happiness is a choice. I can choose to think thoughts and engage in activities that bring me joy. Life itself is a gift and I choose to live it with joy and to the fullest. I do not deny the reality of my situation, but I do deny the finality of it. This too shall pass. I choose to be happy.” Adopt that mindset and a sense of renewed hope won’t be far behind. I encourage you to choose joy. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
| Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571 |
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