The Practice of Joy by Lane Jordan Burday

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

One of the secrets of living a joyful life tomorrow is thinking strong, joyful thoughts today. The battles we win against our human nature are won or lost in the mind—thoughts of good or evil, joy or depression, success or failure. In Proverbs 23:7, the Bible says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This verse reveals a profound truth about the interconnectedness of thoughts, motivations, and actions.

What’s difficult to realize is that the death of a dream, a business, or a marriage dies first in the mind! Because what we think will eventually become an action in our life.

Research indicates that the average person thinks approximately fifty thousand thoughts per day. That’s great news if we think good thoughts. But the opposite is true if we think bad thoughts.

That’s why the title of this blog is ‘The Practice of Joy.’ We must discipline ourselves mentally with deliberate thinking. Thinking that honors God, ourselves, and others. We must stop becoming upset when everyday problems, delays, and inconveniences happen.

You might say that this is impossible to do every day. You are right–if you do this in your strength. That’s why God gave us His Power in His Holy Spirit! As we walk daily with God, as we pray daily and read the Bible daily, we will begin to have the mind of Christ. Then the decisions we make today will make a difference in our tomorrows. We need to stop worrying and being anxious. Those emotions will do nothing for you but cause problems.

Practice what you think of and build your life around Godly thoughts. My prayer for you is that you will experience such joy in your life that people will stop you and ask, “What is in your life to have such joy?”

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Our latest devotional book, Treasure, was just named the “Best Christian Non-Fiction Book” by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards! If you have not purchased Treasure, it is not too late! Lane Jordan Burday and Lisa Burkhardt Worley, along with the POP Team, combined their talents to write the book, which is full of wonderful inspiration. You will be inspired by the messages, and receive daily treasure as God will speak to you through His Holy Spirit. To buy Treasure just click on the Amazon link that takes you directly to the page. https://tinyurl.com/2uj9sn5x.