When joy rises to the surface of your emotions, do you let it change your mood, your experience, your sense of possibility? Or do you hold it back for some reason? Maybe you’ve been hurt when you let your guard down? Or maybe there are so many concerns and trials to consider that joy seems an improper use of time and energy and self. 

Real happiness, pure joy, is never a waste. And it can never be used up. God’s heart is our wellspring of joy. When a wave of delight comes over you, let it sweep you into his presence. Let the curious wonder of joy draw you to a life rich with blessing. 

Some days when I wake up motivated and ready  for my tasks are good days. A sense of anticipation comes over me, and I feel….happy. Glad. Hopeful. But other mornings I wake up with a slight tremor of dread or restlessness. There might be a huge deadline or an uncomfortable conversation coming up for the day. Or I just feel off. 

Too often we let our fist impression; our wake up mood; dictate the rest of the day. Contentment comes when we give over those initial bits of dread, fear, reluctance, or even laziness to God. Consider it a morning offering. Release these to God so he can shape them into something useful. Turn first impressions into expressions of faith. 

Dear Lord, I’m happy most of the time. But I’ve noticed that this happiness doesn’t necessarily impact my daily perspective as it should. But I’m not going to hold back anymore. I will respond to your leading,  guidance, and happiness. I think I’ll be giving my first impressions to you a lot in the near future, starting now. Let my first thought be of thankfulness and my first words be of praise to you.

In Jesus name I pray

 Amen

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your path; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14