Why is it that when we look at things, we constantly look to the negative prior to reviewing the positive. We tend to remove the joy from things in favor of that which needs to be worked on. As I train people with regard to their role and jobs, I take time to coach and offer feedback on the performance of the individual. My first question to them is “How do you believe that went?” To which virtually everyone starts with that to which they can improve upon. After the answer to the first question in the coaching, I then ask them “What do you believe you did well?” and again they launch into that to which they can improve.
I have to remember the Joy of the LORD and focus on that joy. I have to remember that which is good and set aside that which is not. I have to make sure that I am moving and reviewing all that is in the LORD, not that which is not. Even the Word of the LORD is good although when we look at it we tend to turn it to that which we can improve. I have to remember that those areas of improvement are for good and to ensure that I am headed down the right path. I have to look upon the Word of the LORD as all good and joyous.
“9And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’” — Nehemiah 8:9-10 (ESV)
In the above verses, I see the people hearing the words of the Law of God and seeing all the places that they have failed. They are beginning to weep and mourn the fact that they are not holding to the law and that they have so much to improve. Nehemiah and the others made it clear to the people that they should not be dwelling on the failures and instead, look to the words of the Law of God as inspiring and joyous. They should be looking at how things are good and they should be celebrating as opposed to mourning.
Too often, we look to what is negative and simply miss out on all of that which is positive and joyous. I have to remember the joy that is in everything. My life may not be the way I had hoped in the sense of monetary gain and by worldly standards, but I have been give the gift of salvation and the life God would have for me and for that I have to be filled with joy. I have to remember to focus on that which is great in my life, the LORD, Lori, Bryson, Aarron, and all that comes with each of them.
What do you have in your life that you are focused on? Are you constantly looking to how you can improve? What if you focused on that which is joyous instead, and lived the life that God has in store for you?
Trevor's Thoughts 