Let’s do a joy check-in. How has your joy been lately? Our joy found in Christ Jesus can overcome our adversities. A few years ago I saw an example of a “Joy Jar” on Pinterest. When I returned to work after that Christmas break there was a Mason jar, free to a good home. I immediately took that as a God wink to start my Joy Jar. The scripture verses I chose to reflect on came from ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:8,‭12‬ ‭NIV —

(verse 8) Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

(verse 12) Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.‬‬

This meant so much to me since that Christmas Eve we had received the news that my Dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Since that diagnosis, my motto has been, “Finding Joy in the Journey.”

We must not let Satan steal our joy. Let’s think of it as daily giving Satan an eviction notice. We know that in the midst of our joys and sorrows, God works it all out together for our good. We can trample Satan and stand on ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — 

‭‭And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for working all things together for Your glory and my good. Today I will choose joy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.