Choosing Joy

It has been a wonderful week in the Hawthorne household so far.  I know, I know, it's only Wednesday but it's already awesome.  In my quest to be still before God I have found that joy in Him has a lot to do with my ability to be still.  It's funny how the molehills in your life turn into mountains and those mountains remove you from the joy that is abundant in Him. 

Psalm 43:4 says "Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight."


In my fertility journey I had lost joy in Him.  I'd lost sight of who I am in Christ.  I'd lost my grip on true and overwhelming joy.  I am reading a devotional by Angela Thomas called Choosing Joy.  It's a year long devotional on rediscovering joy in Him.  I'm so excited to plug into the joy and happiness and peace and contentment that He has for me.  I'm also looking forward to the refining that comes along with this process.


I've made several life changes over the past year. It's taken me that long to get where I want to be and where I truly believe God wants me to be. I quit high stress jobs with endless responsibilities. I had always taken jobs that paid good money but came with a lot of stress and responsibility. It was a decision I was ready for a while ago but took me a while to find a good fit. Now I'm no longer working 80 hours a week and am focusing on why I got into therapy in the first place.  For the joy of it.  :)  We bought a home and are renovating it instead of renting and moving all the time.  And the biggest of all...I'm learning to be still before God and be content with the blessings He has given me.  There is a lot to be said for slowing down and getting rid of the stress and letting go of your burdens.  I feel so light now that I've come to that place where I'm being still and finding joy while letting go of a lot of unnecessary stress. Letting go and letting God may sound cliche but it's a game changer.  I'm still working on it but I'm excited about the journey.


This morning I woke up slowly, thankful for God's provisions in my life.  It's been a while since I've woken up thankful instead of with anger, grief, and despair.  It was so refreshing to take time with God this morning.  Actually carve out special time for just us, no distractions or rushing around to keep me from focusing on Him.  I read my devotional and had my prayer time all while slowing down long enough to find JOY in it.  Today I'm amazed at how God is working in my life.  I feel renewed and refreshed in Him.  What an incredible day.  One of many more to come.  <3