We have a dear friend that was in a horrible car accident a few years ago. While she was still sitting in her crushed car and in severe pain, she kept declaring, "I choose joy!" I cannot imagine what she was feeling physically in the moment, but what a testimony to how powerful our words can be in the midst of horror and tragedy.
God used her declaration to lift her out of the depths of despair and her story is a powerful message to all of us. Joy is sometimes a choice we have to make when we are going through tough times. It is easy when things are going well and we are having fun. Do not let the enemy steal your joy just because you are going through a rough patch. Choose joy and let God carry your burdens and give you peace!
Romans 15:13 (NLT) - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."