Today was one of those days. My house was a mess, my to-do list was two miles long, the baby wouldn’t nap, and the dog tried to eat the exterminator when he came. Can’t you just picture me on my porch still in my pajamas, a baby in my arms, yelling at my snarling dog to “cut it out!”
There’s no promises that every day will go as planned. There’s no instruction manual for life that tells me the best way to proceed productively. Well, wait, there kinda is.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The enemy will tell me that I’m not good enough, that I can’t keep my home in order. Whatever that may mean.
That voice of defeat will tell me that nothing ever goes right for me. It will tell me that my children are ungrateful, and that I’m the only one who does anything around the house.
That voice of discontent will whisper that my husband doesn’t help me enough, or that he doesn’t notice the many things I do.
That spinster of lies will try and convince me that tasks are important, and that time with those I love is secondary. He will fuel my frustration and blow holes in my patience with his deception.
But I won’t choose discontentment.
I will choose joy.
When I can’t find time to myself, I will choose joy.
I am blessed to be surrounded by so many people who love me.
When my house is in disarray, I will choose joy.
I am blessed to have so many possessions within my sturdy, warm walls.
When the baby won’t nap, I will choose joy.
I am blessed with another child that I can hold in my arms.
When my job is long and hard, I will choose joy.
I am blessed with a way to help provide for my family.
When I have to get up early, I will choose joy.
I am blessed to be able to get out of bed.
When the enemy tries to point out frustration, I will dig for gold. It’s right there! Sometimes it’s simply disguised as dirt.
I will count it all as joy. The good Lord doesn’t intend us to live this life in turmoil and discontent, struggling from one moment to the next. He desires us to live life abundantly, finding joy in the mundane and contentment in the clutter.
But when it comes down to it the choice is ours of who we will listen to. We can either hear the voice of the devil who deceives us to be angry and dissatisfied with our day-to-day, or we can choose the voice of truth who gives us joy to experience life to the fullest if we will only receive it.
lisaseiber says
This hit home with me. Great post!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Our lives-His Purposes, Ruthie's impressions says
Good word! and good Choice!
karen says
Perfectly written an timing couldn’t have been better. Thank you!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Paula says
Good Brie,
Donna says
This blessed my heart! Thanks Brie!