Key scripture – “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Do you see the glass as half empty or half full?

One of the overriding evidences that someone has a genuine relationship with our Living Savior, Jesus Christ, is their consistent attitude of joy and their outlook on life.

A follower of Jesus should not be a person who always looks at life as if the glass is half empty. Instead, we should be the most positive people on earth. We should see opportunity in the midst of challenges. We should see every challenge as a chance for God to be glorified and us to be blessed.

The light that resides in you should be like the beam of a lighthouse to a ship that is seeking direction. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Our lives should have the fragrance of Christ. People should be attracted to our lives just as the bee is attracted to the nectar in the colorful flower. The apostle Paul understood this when he said, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

No matter what circumstance you may find yourself in, the joy of the Lord must be your strength. Paul learned this truth even in the midst of his adversities. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

How would others describe your joy quotient? On a scale of 1 to 10, where would they rank you?

Today, make a commitment to greet every circumstance knowing that the joy of the Lord is your strength. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Go on now, put on that attitude of gratitude, it looks good on you.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I do not want to have an attitude toward life that makes me a porcupine to other people. When I start to get a negative and poisonous view of life and I start criticizing the world around me, I want the Holy Spirit to convict me so that I stop complaining and I replace it with praise, joy, and worship. I will “rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:18). No matter what I am going through show me how to consider it all joy, when I encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of my faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that I may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4). No matter what I am facing, I will worship the Lord with gladness; I will come before You with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2). I choose to become better not bitter. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.