Moving from Despair to Joy

This weekend in Velocity we started a new series called eMotion. Each week we’ll be discussing how we can move from one negative emotion toward a more positive one. This week we discussed moving from despair to joy.

Just like the fishermen at Pikes Peak Fish Market, everyday we wake up we have the opportunity to choose joy. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 we are even commanded to “Be joyful always.” That can be hard when trials (James 1:2-3) but unlike happiness, joy isn’t based on what happens around us but the fact that Christ is with us.

To live each day with joy we need to choose our attitude (let our attitude follow our actions) and dwell on things we’re thankful for rather than the things that discourage us.

Parents – This week we encouraged students to find a few minutes each morning to begin the day by focusing on things they’re thankful for or things they’re looking forward to that day. Consider taking the challenge as a family. At breakfast each morning have everyone share something they’re looking forward to that day and something they’re thankful for.