This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today! — Psalm 118:24 ICB How do you show you’re happy? If you’re a cat, you purr. If you’re a dog, you wag your tail. And if you’re a rabbit, you bust out your best binky moves. You read that…
Majestic Jesus, Prince of Peace
Majestic Jesus, I come joyfully into Your Presence, my Prince of Peace. I love to hear You whispering the words You spoke to Your fearful disciples: Peace be with you! I rejoice that Your Peace is always with me because You are my constant Companion. When I keep my focus on You, I can experience…
When Grace Replaces Striving
Have you ever read the familiar verse, Be still and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10 and wondered: Well, how, then do I manage my chaotic life, my disobedient children, or that project at work that my boss expects me to complete if I want to receive a promotion. Does “cease striving” (as…
Cheering for Someone When They Get What You Want
I live in a home of athletes, raised in the school of hard work and dedication — literal blood, sweat, and tears. When your boys play football and you’re the mother who supports them, you learn early on to live with both the smells of their jerseys and the fears that require prayers for God…
Your Sorrow Will Turn to Joy
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. — John 16:20 Read John 16:16-24 Jesus spent His last evening before the Cross comforting His disciples. Jesus understood that it’s easier to endure a season of trial if there’s an…
Welcoming Vulnerability
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 A few months back I met some friends for impromptu burgers and fries, and in my attempt to let off some steam, I shared a bit more intimately than was appropriate for this particular group setting. I…
Being Joy-Full
In Your presence is fullness of joy. — Psalm 16:11 NASB “I need a leaf blower. But for people.” I chuckled when I saw that line on a tea towel — and I think Warren Wiersbe might have laughed too. “People” represent one of four joy stealers the Bible scholar identifies in his commentary on…
Think Like a Girl: Believe in a Good God
Happiness and the Higher Power Agent An aspect of agency that influences happiness is whether you believe in a force that acts in the world and causes events to happen — that is, God. When something positive happens to you, you attribute that to a higher power. When something negative happens to you, you interpret…
Christian Life Is Infused with Joy
The Christian life is marked by notable milestones, and you’ll find joy in every one of them. Remember, just because something is important and serious doesn’t mean it can’t also be filled with joy and the beauty of deep, abiding contentment. Salvation The moment of salvation is inexpressibly joyous. This is our eternal, spiritual delivery…
God Is With Us in the Hard Times
We all go through times when life seems to overwhelm us. The Bible reassures us that God’s presence is with us to help us, even when we don’t realize it. The Book of Psalms is full of reminders that God is a shelter from life’s storms, a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in…