Choosing Joy

Lately, I’ve been practicing something quite simple, yet profoundly powerful. 
 
Before I face any situation, I pause.   
And I decide: I choose joy. 
 
Not, I’ll wait and see how I feel. 
Not, if it all goes smoothly, I’ll be joyful.   
But a deliberate, pre-decided choice: Joy first. 
 
It’s been surprisingly transformative. 
 
One of the most vivid places this has shown up lately is in the middle of the night.   
When my young children wake me (again) at 2am, my first reaction is to groan. I drag myself out of bed, grumpy and annoyed. But somewhere between the bed and their room, I catch myself and whisper in my heart: Choose joy. 
 
By the time I reach them, something has shifted. I’m a different person. I still might be tired, but I’m not resentful. I’m choosing to love, to give, to see the moment differently. And it changes everything. 
 
Joy is not just a nice emotion when everything’s going well. In Scripture, it’s a strength. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). It’s a weapon. A shield. A gift. 
 
And it’s not shallow joy. It’s deep and complete. Jesus said in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 
His joy. In us. That’s the kind of joy we’re being invited into, one that’s not dependent on perfect circumstances, but rooted in something deeper. 
 
Just before that verse, Jesus talks about abiding in Him. Remaining connected. Staying close. He uses the picture of a vine and branches. The fruit, including joy, comes as we abide. As we rest in His love. As we learn to live every day, every moment, in the awareness that He is with us. 
 
Abiding isn’t about striving. It’s about staying. It’s not about doing more. It’s about being with. And in that place of quiet connection, joy begins to grow, even in the hardest seasons. 
 
I think this matters for us in rural mission. Often, the work is slow. It’s hidden. It can feel small or overlooked. We face resistance, loneliness, tiredness. But in the middle of all that, what if we chose joy? 
 
Joy that says, God is here, and He is good. 
Joy that says, This little thing I’m doing matters.  
Joy that says, I won’t let discouragement write today’s story. 
 
It’s not denial. It’s defiance. A holy defiance that says, I see the obstacles, but I choose joy anyway. 
 
So maybe today, wherever you are, whether you're walking the dog, leading a service, wiping down toddler handprints, or having tea with a neighbour, just pause.   
Breathe.   
Stay close to Jesus.   
And say it with me:   
I choose joy. 
 
You might be surprised at what happens next.