"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." — Henri Nouwen
Joy cannot be programmed. Nor cannot be commanded. But it can be generated. Tim Hansel in his wonderful classic Holy Sweat referred to it this way. "Joy is peace dancing."
Paul says in Philippians 4, "Rejoice in the Lord always ... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
One of my favorite movies of all time was Sister Act 2 Kids living in a troubled community were challenged by their teacher, the fictitious sister Mary Clarence (played by Whoopi Goldberg) to express their hearts through their singing, choosing to rise above their surroundings and other people's incredibly low expectations. They ultimately chose joy because the alternative was no alternative at all.
When we choose joy there is a power that is infectious, contagious, powerful. I remember the end of the movie well and the other night I pulled it from my library. After you hear this, you may want to enhance your joy by going and renting it. But remember the message of this song. It is ultimately where joy is found.
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