Daily Joy Reminders
Choose joy. That’s a phrase that sometimes inspires a better attitude and sometimes makes me flash hot–depending on how and when it’s dished out. 🙂
Today’s devotion tells you how I’m learning how to choose joy even on the grouchy days, but some days nothing will do except something right in front of my face. So for all of you who are visual learners like me, I’ve created a printable of joy reminders to stick anywhere you need it on the days you need it most.
(Click on the image to download.)
And before you go… leave a comment about how you find joy in the journey as your entry to win a copy of Breaking Up with Perfect: Kiss Perfection Good-Bye and Embrace the Joy God Has in Store for You.
Wow did I need to find this blog today! All week I have been struggling with just being tired of everything…tired of struggling financially week after wee unable to pay our basic bills, tired of fighting with my teenagers over things like getting a job or cleaning their room, tired of being tired….this week I have been down and grouchy and irritable and impatient with everything. Everything and everyone seems to irritate me so much and so quickly that when I found this blog, it was like God was smacking me in the back of the head and saying HEY! You need to pay attention and read this….MY joy, My power is made perfect in your weakness…let ME remind you of who you are and what I can do for you…trust me, come to me, let me help. Ok Lord, ok….Thank you for this! I am going to be visiting everyday as often as possible. Now to answer the question, How do I find joy in the journey? Well, I praise. I’ve had my radio tuned into the local christian radio station, I have my worship cd’s in, and crank up the fast joyful worship music until it drowns out the negativity in my mind. Eventually I am singing with tears running down my ace, on my knees, with my arms raised high. God fills me in those moments to overflowing, after He empties me completely. I sit and I quietly watch the world outside as it goes about the day and I marvel at God’s creation. I spend a time of quiet alone with him and empty my heart into his hands and then I let him work…..I could keep going with all the ways I find joy in this journey as I am reminded of how I’ve come and what all I’ve been through…from abuse to alcohol, to abuse again, to more…and not once has he ever left me….
I have been struggling through a really tough time this last month. Through this tough time I have been closer to Jesus than ever before but there are still many times that I need to choose Joy and ensure that I focus on Him to get me through these difficult times, days, hours and moments. I have found joy through praying for others, reading scripture and apps with daily verses and devotions.
For the past few years, I’ve kept a journal of things that I’m thankful for each day. Even if the day didn’t go as I hoped for, I can be reminded of the joys that God allowed me to experience, see, feel, smell, taste, hear, etc. it fills my cup and reminds me there is SO much to be joyful about!!
We have to remember that our joy comes from HIM, not from our circumstances. Keeping our minds grounded in The WORD will help us keep this perspective.
Perky people used to annoy me. I would consider myself more “authentic” because I wasn’t being fake about my grumpy emotions. Though I am far from perfect in this area, I have gotten better. I now realize that attitude was rife with sin! God wants me to be happy and pay attention to all my blessings. Thanks for sharing this!
My study focus for June = SELF-CONTROL… Controlling my emotions & thoughts instead of letting them control me & my JOY level… Thank you for your words & example… Praise & Blessings always??
Joy is a decision. It is finding good even in the bad. It is deciding that living for Jesus is more important than the circumstances that we find ourselves in. As my family and I are in a huge transition in our life right now. It is understanding that God’s hand is in our lives and no matter what others may say, or feel about where we are, we know that we are choosing to follow God and in Him our Joy can be found.
I try to find something to be thankful about everytime i feel grouchiness coming on. Focusing on what God has blessed me with keeps me joyful and helps me focus less on the negatives. 🙂
Daily devotions help me find joy.
I needed this blog post today! I had put off reading my daily readings in the Word for three days and felt guilty and ashamed! I find it uplifting to read my daily devotionals even when it may get put off. It is so important to realize that joy is a CHOICE! Every day I need to remind myself that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
As a young woman, I struggle daily to find joy in my day. I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders and I am under constant pressure to have my life together on my own. Through the journey of finding joy in my life, I’ve come to realize that your attitude is key to the way you view things. I recently went through depression and anxiety and went to the hospital on suicide watch. (This was only about 3 months ago) I have found grace & mercy through Him. He gave his life for me, so that I could LIVE for Him. That is enough to make me be joyful every morning. He loved me in my darkest, and He loves YOU in your darkest too! I’ve been helping out at this camp called Kids Across America and it’s turned my life into a complete 360. I would encourage each of you to be in constant prayer for one another and realize that you are not meant to go through this life alone. He made you to share in the love of a community and be apart of His family. He loves you!
I’m not a naturally joyful person but I try to remember what my sweet grandma used to say “People are as happy as they make up their minds they are going to be”. Then I look around and start to count my blessings instead of my problems.
I find joy in the way my kids pray and have faith in God for not just little but big miracles. I struggle with joy a lot but this helps.
Thank you for the reminder to choose joy! I find joy in the journey but looking for the blessings from God – no matter how small!
Thank you for this devotion and your blog posts! I too need to need to trade in a perfectionist attitude for the true joy and peace God has in store for me and my family.
Being grateful for everything helps me to choose joy and be intentional in forming joyful thoughts. I’m also working on letting go of control, casting my cares to God and trusting Him to work all things out according to His will. When I can rest in Him, knowing He works all things out for my good and His glory, joy is sure to follow.
I find JOY in keeping my mind and heart focused on the eternal not the temporal…only by God’s grace & strength can I do this. My joy seems very connected to where my focus is 🙂
We’ve recently made a long distance move to be closer to family but…saying good-bye to dear friends was hard and the challenge of finding a new church family, moving into a different house, and building new relationships put a strain on each of us. My poor husband! In His way, God was revealing some ‘ugly’ in me and He gently walked me through it. Ps. 63:1 “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” became my mantra as I realized I was seeking relief rather than seeking Him. I repented and began asking Him what He wanted me to see as each ‘crisis’ arose. It’s been a blessed time of healing, choosing joy along the way! My husband and I have a renewed devotion for one another as a result of the ‘hard’ and have found a new church family! I love the way God uses every situation in my life to draw me to Him! Would love a copy of your book – thanks for the offer and your honesty!
My joy comes from knowing God is in control and has the perfect plan for my life (and my family!) even when it may not feel like it on a given day. And part of His plan is not for me to walk around grouchy, feeling sorry for myself or focusing on the negative things. I am called to be a light to the world, and a light shines brightly; it’s not meant to flicker. Also, I often check myself by thinking of others I know who are going through more difficult circumstances than my own (just like you said). It definitely keeps things in perspective and I’m thankful for that perspective!
I love these daily joy reminders! I have a bracelet I wear daily that simply says “choose joy”. Through the ups and downs that this life brings, I remind myself to focus on the good in my life. There is much to be thankful for… even if sometimes it’s easier to focus on the hurt or negatives… Much love to all of you beautiful women!
It’s hard to find joy. I usually can’t. I’m having to make do with peace, which, to be honest, I think I’d rather have. Peace and happiness just feel weird and unnatural to me right now. But if God wants me to have joy, then I believe he will give it to me. I choose to trust him with that 🙂
Coffee has something to do with it! Every day I look forward to my “coffee and Jesus” time as I read a piece of scripture and maybe something inspiring alongside, and then I sit quietly as I can before Him and let Him speak if He will. My sweet time with Jesus in the midst of mothering 4 children under 6.
The best way I have found to embracing joy is to remind myself that others are experiencing far more challenging trials that what I am facing. This perspective seeking is often what i need to reset my emotions! I would love to glean insights from your book. Thank you
My husband and I often talk about the difference between being joyful and being happy. Often in the toughest circumstances, we can choose to find the joy in our lives. God helps us do this too. I spend long hours at home with the kids while he works so hard for our family in a dysfunctional workplace with harsh working conditions. We are taking steps to improve the circumstances of his work, but it means I am alone more. I read devotionals, scripture, and pray a lot. It helps. But i also try to find joy in the little things. Moments, baby laughs, smiles, kisses, a soft breeze, a beautiful bird, a flower, etc. God provides these things, and I am so grateful.
It helps me a lot to sit down and play the piano and sing and worship the LORD when I’m feeling down. It also helps me to take a walk in the sunshine and fresh air like you mentioned. Journaling in a notebook or on my computer also helps to unload all the anxious thoughts I may be feeling. I like to write it the form of a prayer and try to listen to what God may want to say to me and write that down too. Your book Breaking up with Perfect sounds like it would be great for me to read as I struggle with wanting things to be perfect and constantly feeling frustrated. Thank you for your encouraging devotional today. 🙂
This was very timely for me too. I woke up this morning feeling very emotional. While preparing to get ready for work I shared my unsettled emotions with my husband and he was a great spiritual support. Your devotion pulled it all together. Thank you Amy. You are a blessing to us women.
Hi, I came across this devotion and it was helpful! I had a day as you described yesterday. I knew I needed to get my thoughts directed in a better way, but it was difficult. A phone call with my husband helped me realize I needed to get my mind on a different track. Thanks for giving me some great ideas for refocusing on God’s truths to help us regain our perspective.
This blog post was totally sent from God as I have been struggling a lot with this lately. This is like the 3rd or 4th sign that I have read about choosing joy and leaning on friends. Thank you for the reminders. Summertime is normally when I struggle most with depression as we are out of our routine with school but because of this I have chosen to host girls night with some of my closest friends to chat and encourage each other even it is only once a month it will encourage me to get through the next month.
On the days that I am struggling like you in your devotion I try to take a moment to my self and reflect on what GOD has all ready brought me trough. I let the HOLY SPIRIT remind me of Philippians 4:8 and let GOD’S GRACE transform me.
To find the joy in each day, I must determine to make a choice to focus on the loving kindness of the Lord in all things, even in the negative situations. God wants me to seek His presence each day which can bring me into a mindset of peace and eventual joy. The joy of the Lord is my strength as Nehemiah 8:10 proclaims. I must proclaim this truth to myself each time I’m faced with difficulties in life.Thank you for reminding me of this important decision that I face each day. May the Lord continue to grow within me to make my life a reflection of His joy!
I love Christian music. I feel so much joy listening and singing along.
Sometimes I have to make that conscious choice to take back my joy from the enemy. Praying to God and thanking Him for the things He has blessed me with and then worship. A song I just sing or put on the TV from my computer or Youtube or CD. Just to remember all the things He has done for me will definitely restore my joy!
I’ve realized that if I do not start my day by reading my devotions (Joyce Meyer’s Starting Your Day Right & P31), reading at least 1 chapter from the Bible, & having my prayer time, it is practically impossible to have a “choose joy” attitude for the day. These daily steps are my encouragement to choose joy.
Gosh what a perfect day to be reminded that we must chose Joy!!
I read your devotion this am as our family packed into our minivan…we planned to end our vacation today with a trip to fiesta Texas but as my 12 year old woke up at 5am throwing up our plans changed!we decided we would just finish our drive home 10.5 hours to New Mexico. Ten minutes into the trip our 4 year old started throwing up and then half an hour later our 7 year old started throwing up. “God, you already knew this would happen.” I prayed. “God your not surprised by this… What are we to do Lord?” An hour passed and 3 kids were still throwing up in our minivan when I read your post… Choose JOY! Alright Lord, I am choosing joy! We are 4 hours down the road and still have 1 of the 3 throwing up! But I have Joy!!! I am with my family and we have no where else to be!!
Thank you Amy!!
Oh, my heavens, Amy! You’re my hero to choose joy with 3 kids throwing up on a car trip!!! So glad the devo and post encouraged you.
Oh I wasn’t choosing Joy until I read your post! I was wondering why this was happening, where should we go, should we just get another hotel room?? But thanks to your post it turned my whole perspective around!! Both my husband and I read your scripture for Daily Joy reminders as we were driving! I’ve saved them on my phone and can now text them out to friends! So glad God put this devotion on your heart today!!
The worldly joy is only for a short period but Gods joy is everlasting! That is the kind of joy I want. Thank you for these scriptures! God Bless YOU
Refocusing my thinking on what to be thankful for helps me on those days where the Joy seems to just not be there. It is an active choice to look at what God has provided for me. It is definitely not always easy to do that! The Joy of the Lord is my strength!
When I know I have a heaviness on my heart and soul, I ask God to help me find a way to release it. Then as I’m taking a walk and look up to the sky, He’ll show me His artwork in the forms of the clouds, the brightness of the sun, the leaves on the trees and all the shades of colors; I’ll then breathe a Thank You Lord and suddenly the joy of gratefulness fills my heart and soul and it starts to feel lighter. He helped me find that release, and it’s seeing and hearing all His gifts of blessings that surround me, especially in nature. This brings me joy.
Agnes, I love that you look to God’s creation for joy!
I too wake up with a heart full of joy most mornings. But those time when life gets me down, I know it’s in that moment I have a choice where I place my focus. And when my eyes are on Jesus, my perspective shifts to His. Thanks, Amy, for the encouragement! : )
What an awesome post! Thank you for the free download! Everything you said is so true. We are where our thoughts dwell! Thank you, Holy Spirit for your power to convict and comfort! To help us choose joy! Amen
When I find myself in a down mood, depressed, angry or just ill, I have been trying to STOP (sometimes literally)…Identify the lie the devil is trying to trip me up with and then tell myself, this feeling will pass, it’s only temporary. Music really helps me. Christian music is what I listen to and because I listen to it all the time, it’s not too very long just the right song will pop in my head! Then a scripture will follow and before too long, the ill feeling has passed. Thank You Jesus!!
May I just add, Christian music is a powerful thing. Especially the hymns. They were birthed out of the emotions we go through….pain, agony, despair, grief, sadness and joy. Those songs are anointed. Take the time to just read the words of the hymns. One of my favorite (because it is so powerful) is “What a Friend we have in Jesus”. Start with that one. It says,
“What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer”
I hope this helps someone…I know it will because God is in it. Have a wonderful, joyful day everyone!
I so agree with you! God’s music is so uplifting! Nice post! Thank you for sharing!
I love the hymns too, Sharon!
Stop. Breathe. Pray. Also, admit my emotions to self and someone else instead of trying to bury them .
I try to find joy by thanking God. Even when it’s hard. And one look at my 4 year old and 2 year lights up my life and reminds me that God is still good. No matter what happens in this world. Even in this tumultuous world, there is still proof that God is good.
Thanks for sharing. All these comments are very encouraging!
My joy comes from nature, singing contemporary (or ancient) Christian music, spending some fun time with children and seeing the world through their eyes. My greatest joy however, comes from doing for others. When I win the lottery, LOL, that’s what I want to spend the rest of my life doing.
God has been showing me that my moods are a choice. I have to be intentional about what I dwell on. I can dwell on truth or lies and temptations of the enemy. The mind truly is the battlefield! Reading your devotion today was just another confirmation on what the Lord wants me to focus on. My thought life!! God bless you and thank you for the possible opportunity to win your book…the Lord knows I struggle with perfectionism in certain areas.
Put on worship music and dance with my 4 year old boy!
I try to think “outside the timeline.” I remember that in the scheme of my life, a few days sprinkled in are not the focus. I try to remember my time on earth, with my husband and kids, is limited, so I should make the most of what I have!
Oh my how I needed this today. My husband has been in training for the last 4 or 5 months for a job we thought would be his career, our way to get out of debt, our saving grace so to speak. He got released from probation yesterday. Now we are back where we started, and I am struggling sooo much to be the supportive loving wife I know Im supposed to be. I want to say I told you so, I want to cry, scream, I don’t know, but I have to pick up the pieces and go to work. Be strong for my children, my husband. I am trying to choose joy today and forward, and I could use all the prayers I can get. Thank you.
I really needed this today as I woke up with a cloud over my head and a heavy heart. Very tearful as I started the day and had to remind myself that God is my source of all things – not my job, friends or family. I needed to lean into Him and not in my own ability to “fix things.” Thank you for this good word and that even though circumstances may look bleak – God is in Control and I choose to trust and praise Him for He is good!
Oh, Robi, you know that I know how you feel. I’m so happy the devo and post encouraged you on a tough day!
Truly joy is a choice! And sometimes it’s a hard one to make but God always honors our good choices.
When I realize I’m being Debbie Downer – I come back to the Bible and find comfort and peace. Remembering to refresh my relationship with God brings joy to my life and outlook. Daily reminders that we are kept in his hands and shown mercy and grace allow me to focus on what is positive versus the negative. SO blessed to also know other women who display strength through faith and lead by example. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Is my daily verse. Thank you Amy for giving me joy today.
I find Joy in the silence between the chaos
I try to focus on details, but on positive ones. For instance being consciously thankful for a good (weather) day, for physical blessings (being able to be mobile, healthy, etc.), for the variety of food, for all the daily provisions that we tend to take for granted but other people may not have the pleasure of. So even when I do not get everything I want or the way I want, I try to train myself to realize how much I already actually have and I should appreciate it.
This blog really hits home because it is a daily, almost hourly choice to choose joy and be positive! You have to strive to keep the joy going! I need to let perfection go so I can truly embrace and feel the joy the Lord is giving to me! Thank you for the blog! 😀
I get into such a bad mood sometimes. It takes me awhile (I am sad to admit) but I have to remember the things “I have to do” are things “I GET to do”. God has blessed me with those things. I am so blessed by the things God has given to me to do, but I let my emotions and wants rule sometimes. Hopefully me reaction time between grumpy to blessed gets less and less each day.
Thankful for the good reminder that Joy is a choice. Living with depression, joy is often out of reach. So the reminder to surrender my thoughts and feelings, to choose joy out of obedience, puts the results in God’s hands rather than my own. New perspective – it’s not my job to figure out how to be joyful, but only to be obedient – to choose joy and let my Creator graciously give in His time.
Music, prayer, a thankful heart – these things help me hang on to my joy. I’ve learned to look for the hand of God in every situation – god or bad. I cling to His promise in Romans 8:28 that “all things work together for good.”
Satan loves to try & steal my joy by trying to put the focus on “me” & “my problems” or “my wants”. The quickest way that I get “me” out of my mind is to do for others. I craft, sew, & quilt & I get so much joy in making quilts for the youth at the Children’s home, toys & dresses for Samaritan’s purse shoeboxes, or just a “happy” for a friend who is down! As I create, I find myself praying for the person who will receive the items made with love. As I focus on this person, the “me-I-tis” leaves & the joy of the Lord fills my heart. I believe if you give joy to others, it will be returned to you……Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
I love that you share your gifts as a means of choosing joy, Carla!
I find joy in seeing the beauty of God’s creation — little things like a flower, a bird singing, or the view of the mountains from my kitchen window. When I feel overwhelmed or discouraged, I try to turn my attention to these amazing reminders of God’s power and presence.
Oops, new computer. Dancing my little heart.
I find joy in remembering that whatever I am going through is part of God’s Plan for my life. I am currently dealing with chronic pain but I know that God is using it for a purpose and that through my experience, I may be able to help people going through similar experiences now and in the future.
Prayer is my comfort during unhappy times. It’s the only time I don’t feel alone sometimes. Also spending time with friends always gets me out of a rut!
I choose joy by cranking up the music and my little heart out. There may be a little singing involved as well.
Sometimes when things are at the most chaotic that it can get, I will just stop drink something hot and open up a random place in the bible. I know its silly but so many times that has helped me. I also keep a journal with my daily verse from my daily devotionals, and sometimes looking back through that I see where I have gone through worse things and come out ahead with God’s support.
Music is always a soul lifter! Laughing with my kids, and getting alone with my Bible and God always lift my spirits. It is always a choice for me, rarely do I just wake up and feel full of joy, so I have had to learn that it truly is a decision we make each day! God Bless.
Thank you for this xoxoxo Realize in reading this how I’ve fallen into the lie that I cannot choose. That to be real I must follow my heart. And also that my heart is extension of my emotions. …so to be real I must follow my emotions and if I don’t I’m not being honest. if that makes sense. When we get up feeling this way or encounter that at any time, we don’t have to go with that. We can choose. That you for being authentic and expressing tips like changing up your text. Also God’s grace shown brightly to me through this…that it’s not too late to change, in the day or in your life.
Oopps!! Reading other comments and then reading the actual directions 😉 lol Found where I am to leave a joy tip for the drawing. Singing praise song is a source of joy along with being around my younger cousins…the pure joy/innocence of a child reminds me not to live in a stressed state.
Tricia, thanks for being so authentic. I’m thankful that God calls us to choose and then empowers us through the Holy Spirit to walk in that choice. I’m helpless on my own!
Timely devotion, I choose joy over unforgiveness, wallowing in my right to be hurt leaves me joyless. Disappointment in how someone close to me treated me I was stamping my feet and pointing my finger at God for the last two days saying I know you want me to choose joy but today I cant, He reminded me in him I can. Problem wasnt that I couldnt it was that I wouldnt. Today I choose joy.
I’m so moved to read your comment, Sheila. Good choice!! (And not an easy one, I know.)
I find joy in the little things and by choosing joy. You mentioned that you were texting someone for prayer and then changed what you were going to send to a joyful message, I do the same. I find that focusing on the good brings more joy.
I find joy by making a list of things I am thankful for.
I find joy in the journey when I think about all the blessings in my life and what I am thankful for instead of focusing on all the negative things happening in life. Thank you for your devotional today, it started my hard day off on a good way…
Needed that!?
My joy is thinking back on how faithful the Lord has been to me. His grace amazes me.
I’ve realized that I can’t find joy when I’m overwhelmed and busy. Slowing down, taking a breath, doing some stretching, drinking some tea and allowing God time into my head creates joy!
I find joy by praying, taking time to read his word, and surrounding myself with people who can continue to point me to truth when its hard.
Right now I find joy in God’s Word as I am in a season of transition and sadness comes many days.
Sometimes I’m so wrapped in my to do list that I loose my joy. I find that I need to make sure that my devotions are at the top of my to do list! It is always a source of foundational grounding, also playing praise music throughout my day and hugs from my hubby and kiddos always help my joy level, to stop and enjoy the little survival moments in life, and God’s creation is so good!
I find joy by thinking of all the truths God tells me about myself.
Girl, thank YOU so much for posting this today! Some days are much easier to find joy than others but this was exactly what I needed to hear. I need to have an attitude adjustment each day. If I do my part, God can do so much more in me. Smiling because I am Joy-filled! Thanks! =)
I try to listen to Christian music throughout the day. Even when I am not listening to it the lyrics are running through my head. So when I feel grouchy, I try to let the words of a song bring joy back into my heart!
I find joy by choosing to look at my kids and remember that they won’t always be this age or be here so enjoy them while I can. Music also can change my mood.
I have bible passages and blue dots all around the house. I read the passages when I am feeling down and rhe blue dots are for me to take a slow, deep breath. Both help me to relax and refocus my emotions on God and happier things.
Thank you for this reminder this morning. This is just what I needed. I have printed out the verses in your message and will keep them in my Bible. What an inspiration and blessing you are.
Your message in today’s Psalm 31 devotional couldn’t have come at a better time. Sometimes the rut can feel so vast that crawling out seems overwhelmingly hopeless. But we don’t have to overcome it all at once – and we don’t have to overcome it alone! A single step is all it takes to shift directions. And over time, those single steps add up.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Thank you for this reminder this morning.
Finding true joy was elusive for me for a long time. What I have discovered is that praise is the best way to bring joy. I try to start my day with scripture that praises God and I listen to praise music as much as I can. Keeping my focus on God and his awesomeness and not on myself always helps!
I try to start everyday is a new day, yes I am down sometimes but I tried to make sure I’m up more than down! And of course I start my day in prayer and praying for others and realizing by default that my circumstances are not usually as bad as I thought. I pray for everyone to have joy in Faith and Hope.
I choose joy by thanking GOD for all the blessings in my life and by imagining what heaven will be like spending time with JESUS forever.
This morning, before reading a devotional, I was reading a book that was re-explaining the way I look at the gospel and God’s grace. I realized that I am afraid that changing my thinking won’t matter – that I will still struggle with a lack of joy. Then I read your devotional and it was if God reached down and said, “here is one who has chosen joy by changing their thinking. You can make this choice as well!” So thank you.
I find Joy in the Journey by looking at how far he has brought me and finding comfort in knowing he won’t leave me now!
Hi Amy!
I really enjoyed ( and needed) your devotion today. Sometimes I am in exactly the place you wrote about for today. Even though I know those scriptures, just seeing that someone else gets in a “funk” and uses God’s word to climb out is so helpful. Thank you for using your God given gift to help me see how to avoid those occasional visits to grouchy-ville. Ha.
Sincere thanks,
Judy
This devotion is perfect for me today. My husband and I are in the process of moving and I have been pretty grouchy until this morning. I choose joy today. I will repeat Philippians 4:4 instead of thinking about how much I have to do.
Thanks
Patty
Thank you for your encouraging words. Since days it is so easy to get wrapped up in our doubts, fears, finances, or even lack of sleep that is hard to find joy in the day but you’re right we can rise above it with God’s help.
Thank you for this devotion and the Bible verses. Choosing joy over happiness is one of my theme phrases for my life. Quite a few years back i read a lot of books about this. Happiness depends on your circumstances. Joy is a choice one can make with God’s help. During a Thanksgiving sermon, also quite a few years back, the pastor said”Joy stands for Jesus, others, yourself” which is very true. I also read a book about joy robbers which can be anything or anyone. Choose joy over happiness with the Lord’s help and say good by to all joy robbers.
Thank you Amy for bringing to the forefront the wisdom and truth of having a grateful heart. So often, being the humans that we are, we are inclined to focus on the problems, not the solutions. I needed your reminder this morning.
Thanks for your God inspired words today I very much needed to hear it. I always feel so defeated lately and can’t seem to break free. Continuing to try especially with God command I will persevere.
I find joy in things I am thankful for…
Thank you for the timely reminder. It’s always the little things that bog me down.
I try to look for the little things like a cool breeze, a lady bug, a butterfly, sweet nothing’s whispered by my little girl, a soft kitty purring on my lap, green lights all the way to work. Things that I may get to busy or too grumpy to miss.
It’s weird how sometimes I just want to stay in my funk! I have no idea why that is- it feels so
much better to be happy but occasionally I definitely do NOT choose joy, which is so unfair to my family. I have actually been focusing on how much sleep I get and instituting a “bedtime” for myself just like my kids. It’s so easy to let texts, social media, etc. distract me when I should be getting at least 8 hours of good rest! And I do so much better when I get enough sleep. Now somebody tell my toddler that! 🙂
Such excellent reminders, Amy. Our pastor has recently been speaking on “soul preaching”. This is how David in the Psalms praises God and reminds himself of God’s faithfulness. Our self talk can either be helpful or harmful. I love the scriptures you chose to help you along the path of joy.
Finding joy in my current situation has been hard lately. I know that God has a plan for my life and that keeps me from falling apart. I have a gratefulness reminder email that is delivered several times a week. This has made a big difference in my outlook. Taking time to be grateful for what God has given me helps me to have a positive outlook.
Your devotional was “orchestrated” by God. I have had a HORRIBLE week at work, with constant pressure and criticism, but I CHOOSE JOY AND SET MY MIND (AND HEART) ON THINGS ABOVE. Thank you for this reminder of where my true joy comes from. One more day this week. I have felt SO frail emotionally.
This post came just when I needed it. When I start to feel grouchy I usually go out for a walk. Something about the fresh air and looking at creation. Thank you so much for the joy verses I will hang them up.
I make choices all day…every day. Thank you for the reminder to choose joy. Sometimes life feels overwhelming.I l liked your hints on escaping Grumpyville. Thank you Amy
Thank you for this incredible reminder 🙂 it was well timed and needed. These devotions are often my joy!
Beautiful post, Amy! and thank you for the Daily Joy Reminders… I have been more intentional each morning in talking with God on my drive to work, listing what I have and thanking Him for it all as well as asking Him for His help in my day. This helps me find joy each day – being thankful.
I attended an online planning session for the new year (held in November, but I didn’t “attend” until a few weeks into 2016 due to a crazy schedule), and they talked about finding a theme for the year. Through a lot of prayer, I realized I’d spent a lot of the last few years just putting one foot in front of the other – surviving but not taking much joy in the journey. I have small children, and I work part-time and SAH part-time (which I’ve decided just means it’s hard to do either thing as well as I’d like), and my husband works a lot of hours for most of the year, but I decided 2016 was my year to Choose Joy. It is a choice, and not one I’m in a great habit of making YET, but I’m thankful for the nudge and that God loves me too much to leave me where I am – He’s constantly moving me and molding me.
Thanks Amy for your message on joy!! Couldn’t have come at a better time?
Thank you very much for the scriptures that remind me why I should be joyful. My favorite scripture is the one in Phillipians: Rejoice in the Lord always, I love it because I need to remember that no matter what is going on there is always a reason to rejoice in the Lord.
One of the ways I choose joy is by making a gratitude list. Thanks for the reminder, your post really hit home!
I SO needed this reminder today, thank you !!
After several weeks of stressful and tiring events, including taking care of elederly parents on the one hand, and a new grandbaby on the other, as well as minor surgery a couple of days ago I have needed a strong reminder about choosing joy. Thank you for being that reminder this morning !!
I am praying that the Lord will continue to remind me, that to find true rest, joy and peace is only as I ‘grow down’ deep in Him.
Such a great reminder that I can choose Joy every day! This is something I’ve been more intentional about by starting each day by praying and praising God. Even before my feet hit the ground in the morning. Can I say I do this everyday- NO! But when I do, there is a sense of peace calm and joy that sticks with me!
Joy is something I’ve.struggled with for about the last 10 years due to depression. One thing that brings me joy is being alone with God while I listen to the birds sing, watch a sunset, soak up some sun while looking at the beautiful blue sky, or watching the waves of the ocean, or the mountains. I don’t pray, I’m just “still” noticing the beauty of his creation. It brings me peace
Sometimes it is hard to get out of a grouchy mood, but I find that being around children (mine or other people’s) helps! Kids naturally see the joy! We can learn so much from children!!
Joy…… sometimes it so easy to forget that we need joy in our life. Many of us just get in a daily routine and don’t realize that things might not be going so smoothly because we have lost our focus on God, the One who gives us joy. I am at a moment in my life that I am refocusing and praying about having a relationship with God. Thank you for this great devotion!
Chasing my 5th boy around as he discovers the beauty in creation through his 15 month old eyes gives me joy. When my 4 year old quotes scripture he has learned in VBS, which happens to be a story featuring his baby brother’s name, gives me joy. My teenagers mentoring my 9 year old gives me joy!
Right now I’m in a terrible funk in my marriage and can’t seem to find the joy anywhere. I wish it was easier.
C McCall, I have you now on my prayer list.
Choose Joy, I know it is not easy!
(but it could be worst…)
First, I have to put on the brakes whether I am physicaly stomping down the road or just mentally dwelling in misery, I need to be still in order to discipline myself. Then I can choose to look at pictures and remember all the blessings God has bestowed on me, starting with the joy of my salvation. I get honest with God about the troubles that are weighing me down and then I create an image of myself laying them down one by one before him, trusting his power and grace to deal with it I try not to pick them up and fret on them. To gain perspective, I pray for others who are facing much more difficult trials. I put on music and sing. And finally, chocolate may be needed to round things off:-)
Amy, thank you for the reminder of how to look at life when we are sad, grumpy or just do not understand our feelings. Joy is intentional, not an emotion. We chose it, seek it, need it, and desire it. Have a beautiful weekend.
Joy is intentional……..I like that.
Thank you
Learning to Embrace the Joy god has in store for me! Love IT ! Thank you so much for writing. I find hope in this joy in
John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (NIV).
Thank you for the reminder. I find it harder and harder to choose joy so I am making it a priority of mine every day. One thing I am trying to do is write about something or someone I am truly grateful to God. It’s started to put things in the perspective God wants me to see them. My sadness and frustration hasn’t been as bad and it focuses my eyes to Him! I also make sure I am doing something to bless someone else. Whether it be a text or something phone call to see how they’re doing or helping them with a task they need done or even a smile of compliment. Doing these things help me from getting in a slump or from going further into one. Thank you for the devotion. I have decided to choose joy!
I love music! I’m constantly humming or singing out loud. Always listening to Christian music. My reminder is that no matter the struggle. . . He keeps me singing!
Sometimes I get in such a bad rut that finding joy is very difficult for me. So that’s really when I pray. I ask God to show me the joys I passed by, and usually things start flooding in. The random phone call from a friend, my daughters big belly laugh at something so simple, or how well she ate her lunch. The chores I completed for the day and didn’t even realize I did it (I call those my “Ta-das”). The butterfly that flew infront of me in the middle of town. The beautiful sunset on my dreadfully long drive home. He reminds me and I am thankful for it. And it helps me look out for what I may encounter the next day. Each day I ask that God show me one beautiful thing (butterflies are usually my favorite). And he does!!
This has to be a God sent devotional. I woke up this morning, as I have several mornings this week with a heavy heart – not even completely understanding what is promoting the heaviness. My dreams this week have left me unsettled and with some disturbed sleep. I am trying to work through something that I am not sure I even understand. I have sought God each morning but have almost felt ashamed at my feelings of disperity for although I have a few challenging situations in my life they are so minusicle in the big picture of what so many others are dealing with that I have asked forgiveness for feeling the way that I do. Thank you for this guidance. So much of our reality is shaped by the way we think and what we focus on. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our tiny little worlds and miss the much bigger world that is going on before us. In the big picture I am blessed and thankful for the many blessings I have!
Rhonda says
How wonderful it is that our Lord reminds us how much he truly cares for every detail of our lives. How God truly cares for His children. What an awesome God we serve! Just have Joy! Wow! we can always count on His promises and His wonderful blessings daily! Thank You Father! I am so Greatful for all that you do for us!!!
Amy, God put this here today as we just rec’d a nasty from a loved one.
Thx, DM
I’m so sorry. I know it hurts, but I’m thankful the post encouraged you today.
Colleen, I love how you said you ask God to show you the joys you passed by. I want to do that too! God is so good 🙂