Joy is a choice

Though the fig tree does not bud
       and there are no grapes on the vines,
       though the olive crop fails
       and the fields produce no food

though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

My translation of these two verses: Even though all is lost and though things seem hopeless, I will rejoice in the Lord. The choice to be joyful in all circumstances is very powerful. Once we understand it is a choice to be joyful, and hopeful, and pleasant, and loving, we can do each of these things no matter the circumstances. That doesn't mean it is easy. The choice must be made every day, or maybe even every minute.

But it is a choice, our freewill choice to make. God gave us free will to decide good or bad, righteous or evil, joyful or joyless. I will choose good, righteousness and joyfulness. And I will continue to make that choice no matter how much I seem to want to do the exact opposite! Amen.

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