Pause: A Month of Joy in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:4-5)

Prompt

“Rejoice in the Lord always.” Always?! How is that even possible?

Those rare people who seem to embody this level of joy, just walking around life always seeming joyful and positive, sure can seem strange. But the truth is, I really want to be that person! So much so that I’m working overtime to try and find all their life hacks for staying positive.

While on this journey, God has shown me one that has really helped: every time someone tries to steal my joy, I quickly try to think about what might lead them to act that way and just say, “Bless ‘em, God” in my spirit or even quietly aloud.

As I do that, I acknowledge that, 99 times out of 100, they have something going on within that I don’t know about. So whatever I feel from them, hear from them, or put up with from them is from a tender area of their life that is spilling out on me.

“Bless ‘em, God” then becomes a trigger in my head and heart to smile, protect my joy, and move on with life. Always.

Prod

Are you willing to try this “Bless ‘em, God” life hack today? Who are the people you are thinking about right now!? I know you got some…

Praise

Listen to “This Is Amazing Grace” by Phil Wickham

Pray

Jesus, thank you for knowing our hearts even when we don’t. I know you know how hurtful people can be. I’m really trying to overcome the pains that people can bring. As I come across those kinds of people today, please help me to bless them, just like you did. Amen.