Ode to Joy

 

This past week I have had a crummy attitude.  The funny thing though is that I did not realize it until this morning.   A few weeks ago an event happened which usually brings about joy in people's lives, but in mine it only brought about anger, resentment, jealousy, and bitterness.  These feelings I covered up, and thought if I ignored them they would go away and not come out again.  I was wrong.  These feelings have pretty much infiltrated all of my life.  They have permeated into just about every relationship I have, and it has destroyed my overall positive attitude.  I read Proverbs 17 today, and this is where I am at!

Verse 23 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." 

This verse stuck out to me because I am usually a joyful person and not much gets me down.  But lately, I have not been joyful.  I have been rather negative, and bitter towards a lot of people. 

How will I apply this in my life?  I need to confront these feelings every day.  I can no longer shy away from them and allow them to build up in me.  I do not know what God has for me.  I do not know the future.  I am unable to control that future, nor can I gain knowledge of what the future looks like.  Instead of allowing events in my life to get me down, my response needs to be joyful.  But not a happy-go-lucky joyful.  This joy comes from knowing I am all right; and God has me exactly where He wants me.  I am His.  His plan for me is prosperous.  This is difficult a lot of times, but I know that God has my best interests in mind. 

How about you?  Are you being joyful or dry today?

In His service, Crazy Pete