Pause: A Month of Joy in Five Minutes a Dayনমুনা

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

Not that long ago, tidiness expert Marie Kondo took the world by storm with her radical new approach to hoarding. She encouraged people to go through their closets, garages, or wherever, pick up each item they owned, and ask themselves whether it “sparked joy” in them. If it did, they could keep it. If not: out it went.

I think this is a good practice not just for our physical stuff but also for our emotional and spiritual stuff. Is there a feeling you’re hanging on to that doesn’t spark joy? What about a relationship? A social media app? A rhythm in your routine? A habit?

If something in your life doesn’t spark joy, ask yourself if it’s really necessary to hang on to it. If not, trash it!

Prod

Think of your life and list the first five things that come to mind that do NOT spark joy. What can you do to let these go this week? Or even today?!

Praise

Listen to “Monkeys at the Zoo” by Charlie Peacock

Pray

Jesus, thank you for the things, people, and feelings around me that spark joy. I revel in them! I want joy to fill my life in all moments and seasons. Some of the things I listed today seem to steal my joy. I want to get rid of them. Please help me to find the courage and confidence to let go of anything that is robbing my joy! Amen.