Pause: A Month of Joy in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:4-5)

Prompt

There’s an interesting thing about joy in the way it changes our perception.

Here’s what I mean: think about the last time you were in a really terrible situation. This may have been back when you were still neck-deep in your addiction, struggling with how to parent your children, or facing financial challenges. It can even be as recent as just feeling down this morning.

If you were to bring a negative perception to that situation, what would happen? Would it change anything?

What if you brought a positive, joyful perception? Would it change the situation itself?

The answer to both questions is probably “no.” Your perception doesn’t change the situation—it changes YOU. Choosing to see with joy makes situations more bearable and invites the Lord into them.

Choose to SEE TODAY WITH JOY! No matter what, commit to it right now.

Prod

Grab a sharpie, some Post-it notes, and fill out ten of them with one word: JOY! Put the notes in different places you frequent. Each time you SEE them, let them be a reminder that you are choosing to see through the eyes of JOY!

Praise

Listen to “I Am Free” by New Life Worship

Pray

Jesus, thank you for making me able to choose joy. Today, fill me with your Holy Spirit, ignite my heart with a joy that is unquenchable. I want to make JOY the number one option for me today! I need your help to shift my perspective as I face today. You are a joy giver, you are THE hope dealer, you are my sustainer and the creator of all good things. Thank you for giving me JOY today. Amen.