Joy need not depend on circumstances

"This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

I have found that when I begin my day with those words from Psalm 118, my day is usually more joyful, positive, and bright.

The prophet Habakkuk once wrote that even though there may be no figs, fruits, olives, flocks or cattle, there is still reason to praise God and rejoice.

For the believer, happiness, joy, and a positive outlook are not dependent on outer circumstances like health, economy, weather, or the price of gas!

I find it hard to believe all the gloom and negativism that I witness every day. I suppose it helps to vent and get rid of the vitriol, but I can hardly read letters to the editor any more. How can people be so negative? I guess they never learned from their mothers what Thumper learned from his. It was in 1942's "Bambi" that we first heard the eloquent bunny. "If ya' can't say sumthin' nice, then don't say nuthin' at all!"

On the other hand, I truly appreciate reading the thanks and kudos letters, the silver dollar awards, and Maizie and Carolyn's frequent words of thanks and gratitude.

We all live in the same world. Some focus on light, others on dark.

From prison and perhaps even chains, the apostle Paul wrote, in Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" When one is "in the Lord," there is every reason to rejoice!

• Bruce Henderson is the pastor of Airport Road Church of Christ, Carson City.