New Wineskins
Yesterday was a balmy day in Mississippi. Mid-70s, t-shirts and shorts weather, all the kids playing outside. Life was how it should be. This morning the weather is in the low 30s with strong wind gusts that make it feel even colder. We’re having weather whiplash down here.
It’s amazing how much our mood can tend to follow the weather. Yesterday was optimistic, today is pessimistic. Yesterday was beautiful, today is dreary. Too often, our attitudes ride the roller coaster of the circumstances around us. Life is good, things are going well, and then one off handed comment and our attitude goes into a tailspin.
Too often we feel like a storm battered ship, tossed about the high seas in the midst of a hurricane, unable to control the ebb and flow of our emotions. If you’ve ever felt that you have no control over your attitude, remember this: at the end of the day, your attitude is a choice. When the headwinds of negative circumstances or an offhanded comment (or something as silly as the weather) gets you down, choose to get back up. Choose to fight. Choose joy.
That’s why the apostle Paul can command us in Scripture “Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4. The Bible wouldn’t command us to do something that we have no control over. Our mood, our attitude, isn’t ultimately about circumstances, it’s about a choice. Our circumstances are simply a crutch.
So get up, brave the cold weather (or negative circumstances or whatever) and choose joy. God is still on his throne. His mercies are new everyday. He wants to overwhelm you with his grace today. He wants to use you as an instrument to change lives. Choose to fight for joy, even on the dreary days.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
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