I have never been one to be consistently joyful. I tend to focus on my failues and not my blessings. If one thing in 100 is off, my whole person is focused on the failure and not the many successes. I say this because it is a part of myself that God has been challenging me on lately.
Life is never easy and it comes with set backs, however, I take set backs personally and usually try to find how I failed and brought problems into my life. Sometimes because we sin a struggle is my fault, but sometimes they just happen and it has nothing to do with me except that God will use it for my good.
I have been doing the study "The Search for Significance" and in it McGee states that perfectionists tend to not have joy. Ah ha. That's me. So now what? I am learning to change my thinking patterns. Not easy, but worth it. Daily I remind myself that I am fully pleasing to God no matter what. The amazing part is that I have been more joyful in my life and mothering. I have smiled more and stressed less. And I have started asking God for help with everything not just what I think I cannot handle.
I know it takes time to make habits but I pray for joy no matter what my circumstances or failures. For my eyes to focus on all the good God has done and not simply what doesn't measure up.
Job 8:21 "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouting." What an encouragement and promise.
