On February 06, we commenced our new series Carpe Diem with, “ It’s Green”, pointing us to not only look at, but to act on seizing the day.
Our heart is that when we say it’s green, it means let’s go, leave the issues and circumstances of 2021 behind and get aboard the train and journey with God into 2022.
However in order to seize the day and move forward, we were encouraged to let go of; old history, old habits and old hurts. You can’t take hold of the new unless you let go of the old.
“If You Always Do What You’ve Always Done, You’ll Always Get What You’ve Always Got.” ~ Henry Ford
In Nehemiah; Ezra reading from the word encourages the people to gain strength from relationship with God, and to receive a revelation on how far they had fallen due to their circumstances. They are encouraged to eat, drink and share with others, and gives them a promise.
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
A lesson for us to learn is that The Spirit of God, working through the word of God, brings revival.
Remember, our emotions are not beyond our control; we can do God’s will even when we don’t feel like it. The Joy of the Lord is a godly joy that you can possess. 2022 is a year of Carpe Diem, seize the day, get on board and choose Joy.
[i]. Joy Comes – Knowing That God Has a Plan for My Life
When we get this aha moment; even on a bad day this Joy will not be interrupted; it is one of those deep but simple truths. It doesn’t matter what your status is in society, your bank account your possessions, if you hold a position in the church. What matters is acknowledging your identity in Christ.
- If you don’t know HOW God made you
- If you don’t know WHY God made you
- If you don’t know WHAT His purpose is for you
Everything else in life will define you; most worldly views that define you are not for your very best, and you will live with a Skewed View.
When I have a revelation of His purpose in my life, it will prevail over all of the above.
Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life – Kay Warren
[ii]. Joy Comes – With the Certainty That God Will Work It Out
God is always at work on our behalf. I know sometimes you feel like heaven is brass, and things aren’t going your way. I encourage you, stop and meditate on who moved, whose attitude or mood changed or shifted. Who is the petulant child stamping their foot and demanding God, do something. He is working even when you don’t know He’s working [someone should write a song about that].
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” – 1 Peter 1:8
God will work it out, and you will love the way He has done it. You’ve heard of the glass half full or half empty, ours is meant to be full and running over.
Positive people can always see the best in every situation and in all people. Joy is the quiet confidence that everything is going to be all right
[iii]. Joy Comes When You Choose Joy
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day – Henri Nouwen
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:4-5
Paul’s joy wasn’t based on a sunny optimism or positive mental attitude as much as it was the confidence that God was in control. It really was a joy in the Lord.
Let your Reasonableness be known to everyone : {Greek epiekes} translated as gentleness, also as patience, softness, modesty, the forbearing spirit, mildness. This word describes the heart of a person who will let the Lord fight his battles. It describes a person who is really free to let go of their anxieties and all the things that cause them stress, because they know that the Lord will take up their cause
It is a choice you make, you get to bring joy, give joy, love joy, exude joy.
Want to hear more about choosing joy? You can watch Part 2 of our Carpe Diem series here.