The Power of Choice

A good word in my inbox this morning from Dr. David Jeremiah and Turning Point Ministries:

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me."
John 14:1

When Krickitt Carpenter woke up from a car accident with complete amnesia, she had no idea who her husband, Kim, was. She told her doctors, "I'm not married." Their true love story--how Krickitt fell in love with Kim all over again--is being seen by millions in the movie, The Vow. In spite of all his efforts to prod his wife's memory, nothing worked. Finally, a therapist told Kim he needed to make Krickitt fall in love with him all over again. And it worked. "I chose to love him," Krickitt said.

The power of choice is an underutilized tool in the spiritual toolbox. Usually, where the will goes the emotions will follow. For instance, Jesus told His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled" when they learned He would be leaving them. Where did Jesus place the responsibility to remain encouraged? Squarely on the disciples. It was their choice not to let their hearts be troubled. Too often we allow ourselves to become victims of circumstances as if we have no choice, no say in the matter. But according to Jesus, we can choose to be encouraged.

Make this an encouraging day in the Lord--by choice.

Joy is not an accident of temperament or an unpredictable providence; joy is a matter of choice.
J. I. Packer

Philippians 4:6-7

New King James Version (NKJV)

 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.