I am still feeling surrounded with the joy of Jesus Christ’s birth, so I’d like to share another of the devotionals I wrote for the anthology titled Anytime Prayers for Everyday People. This particular devotional was included in the section titled Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving. 

When I want to thank God for His joy . . .

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
—Psalm 100:1-2 

[The  LORD says] The joy of the LORD will fill you to overflowing.
You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
—Isaiah 41:16 NLT 

We are praying . . . that you will be filled with his mighty,
glorious strength so that you can keep going  no matter what happens—
always full of the joy of the Lord.
—Colossians 1:11 TLB 

You will make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy.
—Psalm 16:11 NASB 

Be full of joy in the Lord always.
I will say it again, be full of joy.
—Philippians 4:4 NCV

. . . I will pray.

Glorious Father,

Today I woke up singing a praise song that I heard on the radio yesterday. I guess it must have settled into my mind because I remember hearing it play through my dreams during the night as I slept. What a wonderful way to start the day! No matter how tired, cranky, or achy I feel when I wake up, praising You in song overcomes any pain or irritation I may be experiencing.

There are so many reasons to be joyful when thinking about You. Knowing I can always turn to You for guidance makes me smile with gratification. Your comforting arms holding me close make me sigh in blissful contentment.

Your heavenly joy becomes visible when I hear the delighted giggling of a child or see the tiny hands and feet of a newborn baby. And how can I not rejoice with You when a glorious rainbow paints the sky? I always appreciate Your readiness to show me the joys in life, especially when I’m at my lowest. You give me joy enough for each and every day. Thank You for Your gracious gift.

Amen.

I have no understanding of a long-faced Christian.
If God is anything, He must be joy.
—Joe E. Brown

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[From Anytime Prayers for Everyday People. Copyright © 2006 Bordon-Winters LLC]

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