Based on what?

So many times I have based my happiness on what others think, or the ways they respond to me, or to my words or actions. This week that was made so very clear to me. I was feeling down because a member of the family that I thought should have contacted me didn't. This is were the thread of doubt started. Did I say something wrong? Was I supposed to call? Have I done something I shouldn't have? All these crazy thoughts and others like them swirled in my brain till I had a headache. Have you ever been there?  Was I seeking approval from a family member? Did I need that approval to be happy? It sure seemed like it. I was fretting until I made myself crazy. [not a long trip]

As I did my devotions God impressed on my heart that I was seeking approval in the wrong place. He reminded me that He is my joy. [Psalm 42:11The Message]

¹¹ Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
    Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
    soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
    He’s my God.

He alone is the source of my joy? Yes, I need to be kind and loving but I can not make decisions for other people. I can not dictate their behavior. I need to choose each day, [for me some days it is each moment] to "fix my eyes on God" and praise Him. The next line tells me exactly what He is going to do;"put a smile on my face".  I had to tell myself a couple of time that the "joy of the Lord is my strength" that day but you know what, He did put a smile on my face! It doesn't matter what others think of me [when I am striving to do God's will] it only matters what He thinks of me! It is the same for you, don't let others govern how you feel each day, allow God to put a smile on your face!

 

 

 

Coffee for Your Heart