MORNING THOUGHTS ☕️:
2 TIMOTHY 4: “I’m filled with JOY as I THINK of your strong faith that was passed down through your family line.”
Shew. How can every line in scripture be so loaded? Anyway...I’m finding this interesting because it coincides with a book I’m reading called “Living from the heart Jesus gave you.” There’s a lot of talk about JOY snd how it’s stolen...or...never developed. There’s actually a “joy center” in our brains. THINKING on things can trigger it. Seems Paul knew:). That’s why the practice of gratitude is so important. Also, being in close, life-giving relationships and close-knit community triggers it. Not only does it trigger joy, it’s vital to it. Just like Paul and Timothy. They were in deep relationship. The mentor turned friend turned father. Just the THOUGHT of Timothy’s faith ignited JOY in Paul in a non-joyous filled place. This proves, yet again, that JOY is not based on circumstances, geographic location, career fulfillment, or flourishing in ANY of the ways the world would tell you you need to flourish. JOY is based on gratitude for the PEOPLE in your life.
Could we wake up this morning, and, like Paul, become FILLED WITH JOY as we CHOOSE to think on someone we love and are grateful for? Don’t wake up and think on circumstances right away...or issues...or problems. It. Will. Steal. Your. Joy. Period. End of story. #morningthoughtswithE #2TimothyThoughts