Repeat to yourself over and over what Paul emphatically commanded God’s people to do in the key scripture , “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”(Philippians 4:4).

Focus your mind on the Scriptures that proclaim God’s goodness, joy, and loving kindness, and get alone with God and talk to Him about how you are feeling.

Sing worship songs to The Lord.

Reach out to a friend and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. You will find it to be more beneficial to concentrate on someone besides yourself.

This intentional act of choosing joy isn’t just Pollyanna philosophy. It’s actually Scriptural. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV, emphasis added). Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things”(NIV).

God is so good! He not only offers us His complete and abundant joy, but He gives us directions on how to choose it. Instead of allowing our emotions to determine our day, we determine to let our thoughts shape our day by taking every thought captive and putting it under the authority of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5).

God gives us the option, so let’s do it. Choose joy!

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the giver of joy. I know that if I choose joy and ask You for it, You never fail to fill me. Father, I choose joy today, and if I wake up in a grouchy mood or just feel weighted down by everything, before I start my day I will get on my knees and come before You, the Giver of joy. I will not let the world steal my joy, which is a precious fruit of the Holy Spirit. Father, thank You, that You, The Lord my God, are in my midst. You are a victorious warrior and You love and care for me so much that You rejoice over me with lively triumphant shouts of joy. (Zephaniah 3:17). Thank You for such a wonderful gift! The joy of the Lord is my strength. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.