Weeping may endure for the night,
but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). With each sunrise, God's mercies are
fresh, new and rejuvenating (Lamentations 3:22-24). This is true whether we are
in the midst of a hail storm of trials, or free of all worry and stress.
God sends us hugs throughout
every single day: the alignment of numbers on the digital clock, a new flower
in our garden, the sunrise and set, a formation in the clouds, a stranger's
smile, an unexpected check in the mail, our neighbor's manicured lawn and
flowerbeds, etc.
We can even create positive
experiences for our self, our mate and our children to enjoy throughout the day
- refreshing treats that minister to the body and soul.
Rather than listening to the negative
self-talk in our mind, programmed there by Satan's lies and people in our past,
we can look in the mirror and tell our soul what we like about our self - our
physical, emotional, mental and spiritual assets.
We can give joy away if we smile
at a stranger, make a new friend, start a new ministry, and practice
encouraging others. This brings joy to our soul as well as theirs. Here are
other ideas.
Plan the menu for the week full
of your favorite foods. Take a break from your perpetual diet and eat a pizza
full of toppings you enjoy, and indulge in one soft drink that was your
favorite as a child.
Adopting a pet gives us a focus
outside of our self and saves the life of an abused or unwanted animal. Write
cards or letters, emails and make phone calls to shut-ins, neglected family
members and those in the hospital.
Starting a new hobby that we have
always wanted to try or auditing an interesting class at the local college
improves our soul. Listening to uplifting music in the comfort of our recliner
or even dancing around the house as we dust will still our troubled soul.
We can take time to lay flat in
silence on the couch or bed and take deep breaths - this releases much needed
endorphins and oxygen into our bloodstream.
Watching a comedy on TV or in a
movie will help us to laugh and lighten our mood. Spending time in nature,
walking through the grass in bare feet or gardening will help us to connect
with the beneficial chemical output of the earth.
Think of your own ways to enhance
the joy in your life. We can even start a support group with "Secret
Santa's", prayer partners to share our burdens, and Bible study groups in
our neighborhood. The list is endless.
Prayer:
Father God, too often we allow
Satan to drown us in the worries, stress and burdens in life. We forget that
You are our burden bearer and our Provider. You sustain us through good times
and bad. You encourage us with Your Word and by Your Spirit. You teach us to
encourage one another.
Remind us that Your Spirit abides
within us with constant words of love and affirmation, and Your Word is full of
verses written by people who experienced similar circumstances to our own. Your
Word is a light to our path and a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105). We love
you with all of our body, spirit and soul - our feelings, choices and emotions.
Thought for the Day:
Our positive, Christ-centered
focus initiates the joy, strength, inspiration and creativity in our life,
which all come from God's Holy Spirit within us.
