I know what I’m supposed to do in life. But over the past 8 months, there has been a lot of wrestling in my heart over whether it should be in strong agreement with what I truly stand for or become independent from what I once believed in. It’s tough. Perhaps you’ve seen the word “tough” in many other blog posts, but it’s true that living for Jesus can be difficult. I know one way or another you’ve already heard this life principle, but lately it has been made plain to me.

Doing what’s right—not choosing the wrong path—means that you’re growing . Gave much thought about it this morning while I was waiting for my patients and, yes, as I looked back on some stories of my life in living out this principle. God, by His grace, puts up with you whenever tough choices have to be made, especially if you have to do what is right—where God leads you to go.

At the end of the day, we should be reminded that it is not about us—it’s all about God. Your experiences shouldn’t define whether you have joy or not. In the first place, happiness is so superficial. Laugh all you want, but sometimes the superficial side of my personality mistakenly intersects with the word joy. I compare my circumstances with the other days that have passed—reflecting on when I had a smile plastered on my face or when I lapsed into laughter. Lately, God has brought me back to what is real and has given me this verse, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). “Forcing” myself to read strengthening articles/devotionals restructured how I look at my life, especially now that I have just turned 28. Approaching the 30’s bracket can practically give you the quiet jitters, but you can also choose to stay calm and live life step by step. Each decision should be carefully considered—being discerning as we strive to make the right ones along the way.

And, at the end of this day, I am reminded of the exceeding joy Jesus has given me through the Cross. How He lived His life did not depend on how He felt, but it was based in what the Heavenly Father would approve. Human emotion and rationalization were discarded. Thank You, Jesus, for being our Perfect Example. Thank You, Lord, for not dying in vain; because of this, whenever we go through a time of fluctuating victory and despair, we can always go back to the greatest victory this world (and heaven) has ever witnessed throughout all generations: life forevermore with the fullness of joy of being an overcomer in You.  —submitted by Dianne Goudin, Philippines