SCRIPTURE

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24 NLT

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

I have to admit that I haven’t found much joy in each of these days over the last couple of months. My emotions have included everything from self-pity to anxiety, and even anger as this pandemic has taken over our lives. Forgive me, Lord, for not finding gladness in everyday, as I know it is there. Sometimes it is covered up in other emotions, but it is still there. Today, and every day, let me rejoice in the day you made, let me seek you and find you and be glad–for your presence, your comfort, your love, and your provision. Every new day is a day to know you, to share you, to rejoice in you.

In gladness I pray,

Amen.

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JOURNAL REFLECTION

Look back over the past month or so. How have you let go of gladness? How have you embraced it? How can you rejoice each and every day?

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CALL TO ACTION

During this unprecedented time, there are many things that pull at our emotions and can shift our focus from God: grief, sickness, stress, exhaustion, anxiety. When we think about finding joy in all circumstances, it seems like an impossible task! But it is possible to experience joy when we trust God and lean into his plan for us rather than trying to control every aspect of our lives. Today’s prayer gives us guidelines for finding joy every day: “every new day is a day to know you, to share you, and to rejoice in you.” Take time today to refocus on God, and pray for him to help you find joy in your life–and share the joy that comes only from him.