Is JOY the Road Less Traveled
As I thought about the road less traveled, I wondered if that road was the path to joy.
This phrase comes from a poem titled, The Road Not Taken, by the American poet, Robert Frost. I recently heard this poem recited during a movie and I was overcome with the feeling that joy is actually the road fewer people choose.
The road less traveled is often less popular and unconventional as compared to the more popular route of chasing after more of everything and still feeling dissatisfied.
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Biblical Reference to the Road Less Traveled
From a Biblical perspective, the road less traveled is the one that leads to heaven. This is the path to everlasting joy, inner peace, and freedom.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NIV
In this scripture, the narrow gate is the path to joy, peace, and the glories of heaven. This is the life of serving God and living out your Christian faith. Sometimes these travelers risk discomfort and face challenges along their journey but their reward will be great.
The wide gate leads to an easier path but also to destruction. More travelers choose this path because of its popularity and ease of travel.
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Why Do Fewer People Choose the Road to Joy
You’ve heard the saying Choose Joy many times, I’m sure. It’s easy to get up in the morning and decide you’ll choose to be joyful that day. But then traffic is at a standstill and your boss is on a rampage. The school calls to say your child is sick and later you burned dinner. Whew! It’s hard to stay joyful when life happens.
These distractions steal joy from those who only choose joy as a quote or as an affirmation. These are people who are caught up in the cycle of keeping up with Jones, making more money, and living a high lifestyle. The feeling of popularity and winning keeps them on the well-traveled road.
Even though all these things could still happen on the road less traveled, or as I call it – the road to joy, the distractions become opportunities for gratitude. We see the obstacles as detours placed in our path to protect us from harm. We can turn to others for support and encouragement along the way.
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Choosing Joy and the Road Less Traveled
Genuine joy comes from knowing and believing in Christ. Can you find this immense joy on the well-traveled path? Possibly but you would have to always wear your armor of God and be on constant guard for enemy attacks.
If joy is your goal, it would be more comfortable to choose the road less traveled and journey with fellow believers where you can draw strength and comfort from each other.
Personally, I believe the name of the road less traveled is ‘JOY.’ Our trek here on earth is more joyful when we are away from the distractions of the world. And this joyful path leads us to the ultimate rewards and joys of heaven when the Lord calls us home to our heavenly resting place.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, we become whichever path we choose. Each individual has the opportunity to decide their own fate. Which path are you choosing – the popular one or the less traveled one?
To close, I’d like to offer a prayer for safe travels to all who journey.
“O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find whenever we go: preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
From the Book of Common Prayer
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Other Articles You May Enjoy Reading…..
Finding Joy in Our Daily Lives
11 Ways to Find Joy in Everyday Moments with God
Is Happiness a Goal or a Journey
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Discover Your Joy
Be sure to grab your copy of Discover Your Joy, a daily devotional/inspirational book for the entire year. It’s also a great gift for Moms, wives, aunts, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
I am honored to share this excerpt of an article by my publicist:
Readers and reviewers alike have praised ‘Discover Your Joy‘. One said, “Each page in “Discover Your Joy” is a simple and beautiful reminder that the world may not be perfect, there will always be the ups and the downs, but we have the ability to CHOOSE each day how we will use this gift we call life. I highly recommend this book!!” Another stated, “Pistole gives great insight into ways to remind us that our joy is important and to beware of “joy stealers”. This book is a great way to start your mornings with a great cup of coffee and to discover your joy each and every day!”
It’s available on this website, on Amazon, and anywhere books are sold online.
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I agree. We do get to choose our emotions. Life is going to happen; it may evoke an unpleasant reaction at first, but we get the opportunity to choose how to act. I find that very freeing. Like you said, we have the support of God and others to help us be encouraged when we need a bit of extra help. If I have a choice, why not be glad? Thanks for the reminder. I happen to have a headache today, so it’s much appreciated! I love your use of Frost’s poem to bring up this topic. So fitting!
Nakina
Nakina, thank you for your kind words and insights.