What do you choose?

As I write this, we are about 40 days into a "Stay at Home" directive amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020.  I saw a post on Facebook that said, "Can we reboot 2020, this version has a virus attached"!  We didn't enter 2020 with any idea of what events were awaiting.  In February, when the virus first was discovered in the U.S., most of America didn't see this as a national crisis event.  Now, as I write this, 40 days later, some states are starting to re-open, economies have been wrecked, and churches are considering what re-gathering will look like.  Through it all, there have been many different responses by individuals.  Some have chosen to live in fear.  Some have chosen to live carefree, some would say carelessly.  Some have been cautious.  Others have chosen to hide away till the all clear has sounded.  No matter how you have responded to the crisis, let me encourage you to choose a biblical attitude. No matter what your physical response to the virus guidelines have been, let me encourage yo to choose the emotional and mental attitude of Joy!  The book of Philippians is a book of joy!  You will find the word "rejoice" or one if its synonyms 16 times in 4 chapters.  Paul is a prisoner when he writes this, yet, joy is his response.  During these days, there are some who feel like a prisoner.  Staying at home as directed by government officials, unless you are an essential worker.  Schools are closed, retails stores have been shut down, restaurants have been carry out and deliver only.  However, even in settings such as this, you can still choose joy!  Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I will say, rejoice."
Let that be your choice as well.  No matter the circumstances, no matter the crisis, no matter the fears, joy can be your choice!  So, today, choose Joy!