...No one can take away your joy.Life may not have turned out the way you planned, but you still have the power to be happy right where you are. God is the source of all joy, and when God gives you something, nothing in the world can take it away. That means other people cannot make you unhappy, no circumstance can force you to get upset. Nothing can take your joy; you have to give it away. You're in complete control of your happiness.
(John 16:22, NIV)
Think of it this way: If somebody is rude to you, what they're really saying is, "Give me your joy." Somebody cuts you off in traffic, "Let me have your joy." Somebody ignores you or leaves you out of a meeting; they're just asking for your joy. You have a choice. You can give it to them by going around upset, frustrated and offended. Or, you can make a much better decision and say, "No thanks, I need my joy. I'm not going to get upset because you were rude and didn't speak to me. I'm not going to be frustrated because you cut me off in traffic. I've already made up my mind that I'm going to live this day happy!" Instead of giving them your joy, give them mercy, grace and understanding. Give them the benefit of the doubt and keep your joy because only you are in control of your happiness!
A Prayer for Today
Father, today I hold on to joy. I refuse to give it up, and I refuse to let go of my peace. Give me Your strength today as I keep my heart and mind focused on Your love in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Joel Osteen is a native Texan and the Pastor of Lakewood Church, which according to Church Growth Today is America's largest and fastest growing church.
