Finding the Joy...

The COVID-19 virus is on the minds of everyone today.  There is nothing we can do in our present lives where we do not have to consider whether we or not we will be exposed to this virus, and then, in turn, expose someone else.  In simple tasks of the day such as running out to get milk, or more important tasks of working and taking care of the kids, the ubiquitous concern of the virus beats on like a drum in our collective heads. 

When thoughts like these invade our minds, anxiety and eventually fear aren’t far behind.  Anxiety and fear can drive us down many different avenues. We can get very isolated and insular in ways that keep us from contact with others. We can get frantic with activity which leads to a desperation to do something, anything that looks like it will help (maybe the reason so many people bought so much toilet paper).  We can even let our thoughts get out of control and then deal with debilitating levels of anxiety.

I was pondering these things at 4:00am one morning (I had a lot of caffeine the night before), and it seems to me that we get to these anxious states through a series of choices.  We have the ability to choose how we will react to the condition of the world around us. We can choose to let our minds wander into thoughts that turn into worry and then into anxiety and crash us head long into fear.  We can also choose to move those thoughts into actions that help us cope with the situation (stocking up groceries, keeping a safe distance from others, washing hands, etc). Another option is to capture those thoughts and filter them through the lens of your faith.  If you have your faith in Christ, you have a blessed assurance that he cares for us deeply. We who have faith know that God knew that this crisis was coming and he has a plan to walk with us all the way through. Our choice then turns out to be simply said and more difficult to do; “trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (check out Proverbs 3:5)

This kind of trust doesn’t feel natural. How is that done in the real world of viruses and bad drivers? To me it’s found in the promises God gives us in his scriptures.  Luke 12:7 tells us that God knows us so well that he even knows the hairs on our head. Someone who knows you that well loves you. 1 John 14:8 tells us that “perfect love drives out fear”. When we allow God to love us like only he can; when we accept that love and live with him in that, there is no room for fear, anxiety or worries.  All we have left is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faith, meekness and self control, the fruit of the Spirit of God in your life. Today I choose joy. Today I choose to find joy in the midst of this confusing and anxiety provoking time. Today I choose to find joy in the time I get to spend with family. Today I choose to let joy carry me rather than let the worries suppress me. Today is a joy-full day.

Tell me where you are finding your joy these days. Comment on the blog so others can see as well.