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

How’s your routine? I find a ton of joy in my routine, for a lot of reasons. I know that might sound counterintuitive—how do you find joy in doing the same things over and over? Well, structure brings safety and simplicity, which brings my soul joy. The older I get, the higher on my priority list my soul gets.

In fact, here’s an example: most every morning I drive to my local coffee shop, listening to worship music. I pick up a cold brew and my fave ooey-gooey blueberry scone. As I dine on this delicious treat on the way to the office, the joy in my soul sure seems to rise!

Now, is it the most healthy routine? Probably not. But it sure feeds my soul, and that's really important!

Ps. When I need my soul to feel loved, this is always my go-to song! For a long time, I would listen to it every time I was in the sauna at the gym.

Prod

How’s your soul today?

Reflect on your routine, take stock, and make sure it’s providing your soul the small things that bring it joy.

What can you do RIGHT NOW, to start a healthy routine that feeds your soul?

Praise

Listen to “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music

Pray

Jesus, please help show me the small things I can do each day to encounter you, feed my soul, and grow as a follower. I know that, when my soul is healthy, I am more generous, more kind, and more loving. I am more like you, and that’s what I really want. Thank you for loving me enough to give me so many little things that bring me joy—some of which only me and you know about. Thank you for loving me! Amen.