Where's the Joy

During my trip to DC, a dear friend and I had a conversation where I disclosed two separate thoughts that he put together.

1. I believe that any authority over me was put there by God.
2. When I was moved from one department to another I put myself into a state of misery, assuming I was being punished, but not able to determine exactly what for.

To my surprise he replied that for exactly this reason he doesn't like religion - that we take on a god to believe in then beat ourselves up with it. I hadn't thought of what I had been doing in that light.

The truth is that I did nothing wrong and the company had gone through a series of events that just led to moving me into a different department where I could benefit the company more. Furthermore, it wasn't by any lack of performance or ability that I was moved - though me being a telecommuter had a strong hand in their decision.

But even if God did cause these "coincidences" to occur, it's not my place to beat myself over the head about it. Playing the blame game with myself doesn't allow me to take in what this position change has to offer, it makes me miserable and others see it... then they point to God, rather than my flawed beliefs, as to why I'm so miserable.

If I really believe that God's in control then I have to ask myself - what am I worried about? To be a successful representative of Christ, I need to quit knocking myself and start counting my blessings. You can't have joy without peace, and you can't have peace without a thankful heart (Phil 4:4-7).

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Finally, having joy is an exhortation (1 Thes 5:12-22). That means it's a choice in the same way that love is a choice.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

So what have I learned from this whole experience?

1. People are judging God by my behavior and actions.
2. I've been adhering to more religion than relationship with God.
3. To choose joy, pray and be thankful.