Parents and Kids Daily Devotional "Abundant Joy"Sample

Have you ever seen an “optical illusion” picture? If you haven’t, try to search for one on the internet and observe the picture! In an optical illusion picture, you will see a picture. Just one. But if you look closely, you will discover more than one image. You can see two, three, or even more different images in a single picture, depending on how you look at it. It is called “perspective”.

In our daily life, we are faced with many situations. They can be good, sad, scary, exciting, or even boring. When the Covid-19 cases spiked last year, I spent almost my whole time at home. I barely went out of the house and could not go out of town for the holiday. I was frustrated and bored. On the other hand, there was a friend of mine who worked in a hospital every day. She complained that she’d rather stay at home than be in the hospital day in and day out. She wanted to be in my position instead of hers.

What is your unpleasant situation right now? Are you feeling bored at home? Or you can’t get the toys that you want? Are you being punished by your parents? Did you get a bad grade in school? Are any of your family members sick? We have so many reasons to be upset, disappointed, and miserable. When the people of Israel were in grief, Nehemiah comforted them, saying “… the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:12).

When we are challenged with problems and troubles, we need to rely on God and focus on His goodness instead. Our perspective should shift from being sad to believing in God’s plan. Be hopeful that there is always a bright side in what we are currently facing and move on from whatever is holding us back. Be grateful for what you have rather than what you lack. Be thankful for what you can do rather than your disabilities. When you start being grateful and joyful, God, with His abundant love, will guide, comfort, and strengthen you to overcome all your troubles. So, choose JOY!

Devotion for Parents
Is your family faced with an unpleasant situation right now? How do you handle it and what will you do together with your family to overcome it? Do you think the miseries that you are facing are part of God’s plan?

Devotion for Kids
Think of a situation when you felt sad or upset. Then, think of an event or a situation where you were blessed by God. Pray together with your parents and give thanks to Jesus for all the blessings that you receive.

Family Devotion Time
Do an activity together with your family. It can be a board game, sports, or dining out together. Do not forget to be grateful for God’s provision in your life. Pray together, be grateful and count all His blessings in your life!