Day 2: Joy

"I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth". Psalms 34:1

Reflection

Joy is like a tickle on the inside. It's not on the outside. Joy doesn't have to be social, the lasting joy is the kind that comes from within. Sometimes you just have to fight for that joy but know that it Is always there. There are seasons when you mourn and when you grieve, but that season does not last forever. I know that the joy of the Lord is my strength and that's what I hold on to.

As you reflect on yesterday’s word of love, remember God loves you.

When it says weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning, sometimes those nights seem like forever, but you have to hold on. Hold on to your faith, to know that God loves you. It's your faith that takes you through that. When you're in the midst of grieving, the thought that you'll be laughing and joking again is hard to imagine, but it comes. It's there. That tickle is there.

Prayer

Lord God, my heavenly Father, we praise your holy name.

We thank you so much for the gift of laughter. You knew we would need it. Thank you Lord God for your 100 scriptures about joy because you knew we would need it. Thank you Lord God for just offering your gift of joy, and today, this day we're going to take it.

We're going to take that joy. Lord, we know weeping may endure for the night, but your joy comes in the morning. So, right now, Lord God as I speak your Word, I pray for any woman who is in a night stage, who's in a season of depression or grief Lord God or mourning Lord God, I pray that your presence shows up in a mighty way to let her know that joy comes in the morning Lord God, for her to cry out, for her to take off that mask and say, "Lord God, I need your help. Jesus, help me, Lord God"

Walking Assignment

Our Trek assignment is to pick a favorite place to walk. This should be a place that feels special, a place of solitude, maybe a scenic trail, or lakefront, or through your neighborhood maybe at sunset tonight. As you walk, listen to nature, feel the sunlight on your skin, the light and the beauty of God's creation. You may want to bring along your favorite praise and worship music to lift your spirit.

As you walk, count your many blessings. How many can you count? Everything you see that makes you happy, name it.

That tree is beautiful. This breeze feels nice. I'm so glad for the rain, God. Before the walk is over, take a moment. Raise your hand and say thank you.