We’ve all heard the following phrase in some form. Maybe we’ve even said it ourselves:

“Life happens and it isn’t always fair.”

There have been moments that brought me great happiness. Times where my smile stretched across my face and laughter so loud that even strangers would ask, “What is it that makes you smile so effortlessly?”

I also know full well the seasons where emotional storms stir and waves of life seem to continuously knock you down. It’s in these seasons where I’ve struggled with feeling overwhelmed, in over my head, and stressed to the point where negativity seems to rule.

This past year, I was resurfacing from one of those seasons. I moved to a new city for a new job and I no longer felt like I was treading water. Even with new beginnings though, plot twists and disappointments still occur. Whether it’s the unmet expectations during the holidays, stress over finances, or the multiple other decisions on our plates at any given moment. Life happens and yes, it won’t always be fair. Regardless, why not remind ourselves that we don’t have to stay in the negativity? We can choose joy even when we feel something entirely different.

Psalm 30:5 tells us,

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Today is another day. New mornings equal new mercies. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23). 

You have a choice

Each morning – whether dark and gloomy or blue skies – we begin our day with a small but important choice. A choice when we first wake up to grab our cell phones and scroll through social media highlight reels or focus our attention on the Lord. Whether with prayer or a simple “Good morning Jesus,” these first few minutes of our morning set the tone for the rest of the day. A tone that will direct our minds where to focus. I’ve come to find that these first early moments are a chance for my soul to rest in His word before the rest of my day begins (Ps. 1:2).

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12

Don’t strive for perfection. There will be times we need to feel difficult emotions that bring us angst. Let’s just be conscious of making the choice to not let negativity overstay its welcome. You may need to sit in your feelings, but don’t stay there. Keep moving forward and keep looking to Jesus.

You have grace

Grace is so important. It’s a driving force that enables us to break the cycle of negativity. Sometimes we get stuck being too hard on ourselves that we become our worst critic. Those mistakes you made and the past that you keep looking back at - forgive yourself. You asked God for forgiveness and He gave it. Break the habit of continuing to beat yourself up and accept God’s grace, which is freely given.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” -Hebrews 4:16

Look for the blessings in your life today. No matter how small they seem and begin honoring the One who constantly pursues you. Let’s not let negativity plague our lives. Be kind to yourself. Give grace and continue to ask the King of Kings to humble your heart and show you another choice. A choice that relies on Him. A choice that is filled with joy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley’s passion is helping women stand firm in their faith. As a type 4w5 on the Enneagram, she enjoys writing as a way to dig deeper into God’s Word and encourage others through all seasons of life. Ashley works in marketing and currently lives in Charlotte, NC - the Queen City!