Pondering Point

This next quote looks to draw distinction between fun or pleasurable things and deeper, long-lasting joys. If we can learn to tap into joy, what a great skill to have in facing the difficulties that comes in life (and they will come!).

Merely pleasurable experiences don’t create lasting joy. They are fun in the moment and then they are over. Satisfying experiences create a feeling of pleasure we can revisit again and again. The feeling lasts over time.
~ Warner, Coursey, The 4 Habits, page 172.

Pray aloud

God, we join Your songwriter friend (the Psalmist) in being glad over You as Lord – and rejoicing over Your gift of righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus. He has made us upright in heart – and good with You!

Five Minutes

Use your GO TO JOYS and ANTICIPATED JOYS to fill a 5-minute window. Remember: use an alarm. If necessary, review the explanation. 

Read the identity in Christ
statement aloud

In Christ, we are people who shout for joy and rejoice in the Lord for His gift of righteousness in Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Close with thanks to God for these moments together.

Ask Him to bless the upcoming day, then…

GO – in JOY, with JOY anticipating JOY

“If you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy in God,and grow free, confident, and courageous.

For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God’s kindness to it, and of his attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things?
~ Martin Luther

Wednesday, October 23, 2024:

Sometime During Your Day

Level 3: Savoring joys of the past.

Psalm 33:1-4

Sing for joy in the Lord, you who are right
with Him. It is right for the pure in heart to praise Him. Give thanks to the Lord with harps. Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song. Play well with loud sounds of joy. For the Word of the Lord is right. He is faithful in all He does.

Pondering Point

Before your 5-minute midday window, take a moment to focus on gladness and gratitude toward God that He is glad to be with us. Read the quote below, then move into your joyful memories time. Finish with worship joy toward God.

Immersing in Joy (evening)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Pondering Point

What music over the years has been the conduit for you to worship God in song? Use this evening’s prayer time to thank God for these sources of joyful worship.

Pray aloud

Thank You for…(musicians by instrument or voice, current or old-school, teaches and instructors as well. If you happen to be gifted in music, praise Him for AND with your gift.)

Review

Look back for previously ANTICIPATED or SURPRISE JOYS. You are training your brain to look for joy. This builds the habit. Recall the body sensations and emotion. This solidifies the habit. Remember: use an alarm

Read the identity in Jesus
statement aloud

In Jesus, we are people who shout for joy and rejoice in the Lord for His gift of righteousness in Jesus.

Evening Prayer

Thank God for blessing the day, ask for peaceful rest, then GO to sleep – in grateful JOY, anticipating new JOY tomorrow under His grace.