Cultivate Joy

Sunday, August 17 – Read Psalms 118:24
Waking up to a new day can sometimes be difficult. Through my running I have developed a nagging little problem called “plantar faciitis.” Each morning when I step out of bed there is an annoying pain in my foot that requires a few minutes of stretching before I can walk properly. Waking up to shout with joy, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” just isn’t at the top of my morning routine. I have to force myself into a sense of thankfulness for each day that I am able to enjoy God’s mercies. What can you do tomorrow morning that will help you awaken with great joy?

Monday, August 18 – Read Nehemiah 8:9-10
Often we are faced with regrets over passed actions and transgressions. Sometimes it is remorse, but more often it is a sense of anger at yourself for doing something so stupid. You kick yourself and wish you could kick harder. “Oh to be able to go back in time…” becomes your mantra. In this scripture the people of Israel had just come to see how mistaken they were in following other gods. They realize the error of their ways. However, the instruction isn’t “go kick yourself.” Instead, they are told to enjoy life, enjoy God’s provisions, and to share with those who have none. How can you turn your backwards facing mourning into a forward focus on God’s will and desire for your life… to enjoy life?

Tuesday, August 19 – Read Isaiah 43:1-4
Sometimes its hard to look up from the pit we find ourselves in to enjoy a view of what can and will one day be. Joy, from a biblical perspective is not about being happy. I’ve heard people say to me, time and again, “I know God just wants me to be happy.” I don’t believe that’s true. Life happens, and as it does there will be times when we are unhappy. God doesn’t promise happiness. What God promises is His presence in the good times and the bad. We are never alone. How have you seen God’s presence in your life at the times you are least happy?

Wednesday, August 20 – Read Isaiah 55:1-12
It’s one thing to call a friend who is suffering and say “If there’s anything I can do, just let me know.” It’s something completely different to show up uninvited and do something, anything, small or large, that relieves some of the burden that friend is facing. In this scripture God ups the ante. Not only does God promise to be present, God also promises to be actively working in your favor. I recently read another church’s mission statement where it said “We believe God is your biggest fan.” How cool is that? God is a fan of yours. Not just an adoring fan, but the leader of your booster club. Do you see God actively promoting your well-being?

Thursday, August 21 – Read John 15:8-11
We live in an age of pick and choose. I was in the grocery store this week and noted the number of choices for beverages. I won’t even begin to enumerate them, but it had to be in the 100’s. Personal preference is both the luxury and the bain of our existence. Maybe you’ve found that there are somethings about being a Christ follower you just don’t like. Here’s the problem, and Jesus gets to the heart of the matter, If we want to have the joy of Jesus Christ in our hearts, and a complete joy at that, then we need to be living according to the ways of Christ. What steps can you take that will allow you to be closer to Christ in your lifestyle and therefore experience the joy He wishes us to have?

Friday, August 22 – Read Philipians 4:4
Have you ever had a really bad day? The guy that wrote these words was having a really bad day, week, month. He had been beaten and imprisoned and he pens these words while in shackles in a jail cell with conditions that were about as bad as it gets. His words bring us to a clear recognition that our joy is in the Lord and our relationship with him. Take time to rejoice in the Lord today.

Saturday, August 23 – Read James 1:17
I love to look at what God has created and marvel. I’ve been 80 feet underwater petting a sea turtle and at 17,000 feet up a mountain looking across the expanse. I’ve been to the desert of the middle east, the waters of the Canadian wilderness and the jungles of central America. God has an amazingly creative imagination. However, God looks at all He has created and pronounces it as good. God looks at you and say “You are very good!” You are God’s crowning achievement. Take time today to bask in the joy of knowing how proud God is that He created you.