“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
Henri Nouwen reminds us that joy is not a passive experience, but an active choice. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, joy doesn't simply fall into our laps. We must decide each day, often moment by moment, to embrace joy. This choice requires mindfulness, faith, and a deep trust in God's presence in our lives. The Apostle Paul knew this well, as he exhorted the Philippians to "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). This call to joy is not conditional on circumstances but is a decision to trust in God's goodness despite our circumstances.
Choosing joy is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God's will. It invites us to see beyond the immediate challenges and recognize the blessings that surround us. In choosing joy, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and express our trust in His plan. The Psalmist declares, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Each day presents a new opportunity to seek joy, to find gratitude, and to celebrate the life God has given us.
This daily commitment to joy transforms our lives and the lives of those around us. When we choose joy, we reflect God's light in a world that often feels dark. We become beacons of hope, offering a glimpse of the peace and love that come from a life rooted in faith. As Nouwen suggests, the choice of joy is a daily practice, a continuous surrender to God's will, and a testimony to the enduring power of God's love.