Traditionally, I must admit, I have walked this earth as a glass-half-empty kind of person, and I would be lying to you if I said that I no longer struggle with this weakness on a regular basis. Life can be stressful, and it's far too easy to get bogged down in the negatives. I tend to always say, "I'm so stressed/anxious/overwhelmed/tired/upset!" It’s in times like these when it’s easy to forget about joy.

You might be thinking “What? Choose joy? Did you not just hear me? My life is awful right now! How can I possibly be joyful?”

Here's the thing: joy is not dependent on our circumstances. Joy does not come in waves of ups and downs that we experience monthly, weekly or even daily. Joy comes from the Lord, and therefore gives us a rise above our current situation or status in life. Joy is an attitude of the heart; it's a hope for the future. Joy is eagerly looking forward, not dwelling in the afflictions of the past or the present.

I'm the first to admit that this can be easier said than done. When it comes down to it, it's completely your choice. Since joy is not dependent upon our work, relationship status or stress levels, we have the power and the potential to find comfort and peace. It's up to us to choose joy every single day.

We are called to rejoice in the Lord always, for it is He that is the source of our strength and of our joy, not life’s circumstances (Found in Nehemiah 8:10b).

He promises us the difficult challenges, heart-wrenching pains, and uphill battles should be considered a joy, for it is through these trials that we learn to trust in the Lord, run to Him for comfort and grow and mature in our faith and in our relationship with Him (Found in James 1:2-4).

It’s hard to lay down our burdens (and pride) and embrace joy when we would rather wallow in self-pity. However, from a Biblical and a mental/emotional health perspective, a pessimistic mindset only fuels more anger, frustration, despair and anxiousness. Rejoice in the Lord always and choose joy daily (Found in Philippians 4:4: 1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Embracing the courage, freedom, purpose, strength, love and peace that comes only in choosing joy through Jesus Christ will radically transform the way you live your life in every possible way. Once you accept this truly wonderful gift, He will give you a fresh perspective, a new motivation, an empowering strength, and an overwhelming peace to conquer and grow through anything you may be facing in life.

So although I may not have perfected the habit of doing so like I should, I strive to choose joy every single day, for I know that my purpose and my power come from a source so much bigger and stronger than any roadblock I could possibly stumble over in this life.