Your Choice Too

Your Choice Too
by David Brenneman

Grateful Joy
You have been my help, and in the
shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
PSALM 63.7

     There are people whose circumstances give them good reason to complain and yet their attitude is surprisingly joyful. What is the key to their wonderful outlook? Gratefulness.
     I remember seeing this principle in action one morning morning many years ago. I woke up discouraged, so I spent some time in God's Word. However, my mood was still heavy, so I decided to go to
work even though it was still very early. Along the way, I went to a small drive-thru and ordered a biscuit. The elderly man who
greeted me at the window was amazingly cheerful. His smile and
bright countenance were infectious. As he handed me my food, I asked him why he was so happy so early in the morning. He said, "At my age, I don't take any day for granted. So I've made it a habit to always thank God for the gift of another day." I drove away encouraged, and I've never forgotten his positive words
     The person who keeps a grateful heart despite their circumstances has learned the secret of joy. So when you're gloomy, think of all the blessings the Lord has given you and praise Him. Because when you're thankful, gladness will certainly follow.

Jesus, help me to be the kind of person who always gives You
thanks, Amen.
- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.

It's very easy to wrap ourselves up in the feelings that come from our circumstances. 

I certainly have had days such as Dr. Stanley talks about here.  Each day I wake up I, the same as you, are going to face choices to walk as Jesus did or walk our own way.

We will either exude goodness or goodness mixed with complaints or just complaints. 

"And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” Mark 7:20-23.

Some know the saying of garbage in garbage out.  What you put into your mind and heart is what will eventually come out of it.

It's a big part of changing your attitude towards gratitude by taking your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. 

It also means watching what you listen to.  Jesus explicitly warned people to watch what they listen to. 

We're to be Ambassadors for Christ.  We are to expect ourselves and others in Christ to behave a certain way.  Not just in public but in private as well.

The choice is yours my Dear Reader to do better at your reactions to your circumstances and your reactions to others.  Who will people see when they hear you?

Who will be known by knowing you? 

We must choose to be intentional on guarding our hearts.  Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts. 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9.

What are you taking into your heart and mind that isn't doing you any favors?  What is bringing out the negativity in you from what you've taken into your heart?

We are in a culture of podcasts, YouTube influencers, and the like.  Talk shows that stir us up and not in any good way. 

We need to heed what Jesus said by way of a command:  Watch what you listen to!  It is GOING to impact how those in your life see you.  Much like Dr. Stanley's example here.

Who would you rather be known for?  As a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ or as someone no different than everyone else in this dying world?  What will Jesus say you're acting like?

The choice is yours.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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