Be GladÀpẹrẹ

Be Glad

Ọjọ́ 1 nínú 5

Choosing Joy

The decision to rejoice isn’t based on emotion but an intentional choice rooted in the belief that God is good and works all things together for good. It’s an act of trust in God's sovereignty, even when life doesn’t go as expected. While it’s easy to be overwhelmed by our circumstances, the Bible calls us to rejoice in all things because God is still faithful and with us.

I remember finding out I was pregnant and feeling excited, only for things to take a painful turn. After praying through a scare on Good Friday, I thought I’d been answered. But on Easter Sunday, while leading worship, I began to miscarry. Alone in the quiet of my home, I heard God speak, "I am the God that opens and closes wombs. I am God and I am good. Trust me." In that moment, I chose to turn my pain into power, writing a song that became my weapon for the next few weeks. I won’t say I didn’t cry again, but through my vulnerability and trust in God, I discovered the weapon of joy.

When grief comes crashing, joy is still my choice. I mourn, but I trust, knowing that from my pain came a joy I never knew had died.

Reflection Points:

  • In what areas of your life do you feel called to choose joy despite your circumstances?
  • What would it look like to rejoice in the Lord, even when life feels hard?

Nípa Ìpèsè yìí

Be Glad

Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a decision, a perspective, and a weapon. This 5-day journey invites you to embrace joy, not in the absence of pain, but right in the middle of it. Through Scripture, honest reflections, and real questions, this devotional will help you reframe your perspective and find strength in God's promises. Whether you're navigating grief, transition, or just daily chaos, there’s joy to be found. This plan comes from the heart of Naomi Raine and the overflow of her own journey in writing “Be Glad”—a space of healing, process, and deep trust.

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