Choose Victory

 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.~ Psalm 118:24

This last week my pastor made the statement that victory is a choice.  It was a profound statement for me because it is true.  How I choose to live my day is up to me.  The way I approach my day is up to me and how choose to handle the potholes or speedbumps om my path way is my choice.  

The Lord has given me this day, blessing number one.  I can choose to rejoice in it or choose to be sour about having to crawl out of bed. ( I can crawl, blessing two).  The fact that  God keeps me every day is a reason to rejoice and it keeps me on the pathway to victory.  I set my heart posture for gratitude and open to all that He will bring (blessing three and beyond).

Now the enemy doesn't want me to be whistling and praising God.  He wants my mind to be on circumstances. He wants me anxious.  He wants me downcast and defeated, but God has the final say and I choose to believe God.  

Just this morning, I was feeling blue.  I didn't know why, but I told myself as David did why should my soul be downcast (Psalm 42:5).  I gave it to God and reflected on all the ways He blesses me.  I reflected over my life and thought about all the outcomes from trusting in God.  Nothing is too hard for God or too big.  I have a reason to rejoice.  

He has given me a peace that surpasses all understanding.  I am no longer feeling blue.  I'm calm and rest as I live my life humbly dependent on Him and surrendered to Him.  If I am walking in dependence and surrender I am walking in victory.  It's not me, but His favor and mercy.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~1 Corinthians 15:57  Join me today and everyday in choosing victory.

Lord, I thank You for free will and I thank You for the wisdom to choose You everyday.  I do not always get it right, but I thank You for every day that You give me.  Let my joy overflow to my students and fellow faculty.  May sweet aroma of You fill them.  In Jesus name.  Amen