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

Read the scripture again, this time out loud. There’s a whole world of encouragement in that exclamation mark, isn’t there?

It’s not just about rejoicing. That’s why Paul first tells us to rejoice in the Lord always, and then explicitly says, like a modern-day preacher, “I’m going to say that again to make sure you get it: REJOICE!"

Sometimes we have to be reminded to rejoice, and we have to be reminded emphatically.

Don’t take that negative first feeling for the truth—sometimes it takes a few times for joy to break through the gloom of our guilt and shame, the fire of our anger and fear. Don’t stop trying. In fact, do more than just try, JUMP! Yes, you read that right, JUMP FOR JOY!

I dare you to try and jump in public and NOT smile. There’s something almost biologically connecting when our feet leave the ground and our face starts to smile. And joy begins to invade our hearts.

So, when you are weary, read this verse out and choose joy!

When you’re worried. When we’re woozy. Rejoice. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Prod

How can you remind yourself to choose joy today? JUMP every time you start to feel overwhelmed, defeated or down. I know it seems weird, but that’s the point. God will find you in the weirdness and bring joy to your heart.

Praise

Listen to “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham

Pray

Jesus, thank you for your joy. I’ll say it again: thanks for your joy! Thank you for filling my heart with joy when I smile, when I think of all your blessings, and even when I JUMP in the air. I love to experience all the ways you love me! Even when I feel kinda silly. Today, may your joy radiate throughout my body, and may it feel amazing! Amen!