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

I love The Message translation of Psalm 51:15, which reads, “Unbutton my lips, dear God; I’ll let loose with your praise.”

Joy is all around us when we choose not just to see it, but to say it. There’s a reason why singing songs out loud moves us emotionally: this action connects our heart and emotions with the vision made plain in the words.

When we unbutton our lips and praise God for what He has done and declare out loud the things, people, and situations in our lives that bring us joy, then off fall the shackles of fear, anger, disappointment, depression, sadness, and any other crappy stuff you can think of!

Let your praise loose today and tell God or someone else you know about your joy, and trust all the great things happening in your life. Let the joy of your life be known to those around you.

Prod

Who will you let loose to about your joy today? Write it down.

Make a plan to tell them something great that is happening in your life today, no matter how small. Remember, when you share JOY, you share JESUS!

Praise

Listen to “Great Are You Lord” by All Sons & Daughters

Pray

Jesus, unbutton my lips so I can let loose with your praise today. You have made me new, giving me a fresh start and forgiving me for my sins. I want to share my joy with others; please help me to clearly know who you want me to share it with today, when I should share it, and the best way to share it. I’m pumped to see what you do in my life today! Amen!