Choose Joy

4.5 stars

I've been needing to read a book like this one. A very clear, very direct reminder that joy is my inheritance as a believer in Jesus, a child of God filled with the Holy Spirit. I've always known that there is a fundamental difference between happiness and joy, but I've never been able to put my finger on exactly what it is. I know that happiness is merely a temporary reaction to present circumstances. But I loved the definition of joy in this book - “the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”

That's something I want in my life.

I enjoyed the variety of topics discussed, including the “dry wells” we turn to that fail to bring us joy, the value system of heaven that changes our mindset, and the fascinating Winnie-the-Pooh School of Personalities (of which, incidentally, I am an Eeyore...). One of my favorite chapters was about how we can know Jesus as a man of joy! There were also some very practical, I-can-put-this-book-down-and-do-this-right-now kind of tips for how to nurture joy in yourself and in others.

The writing was very approachable and understandable, almost to the point of being simplistic. But there was no compromise on the truth in this book. If the above definition of joy speaks to you, maybe is something you want but have had a hard time experiencing (like me), then I highly recommend you read this!