Joy in God's Faithfulness

[00:00:10] Well, welcome back Collective Table Podcast Today our scripture reading is Psalms 1:18 24. [00:00:20] This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. [00:00:27] This verse reminds us that each day is a gift. [00:00:32] It's a reminder that God's faithfulness is always continuing. This verse invites us to slow down and notice the blessings of the present moment, no matter what challenges we face. [00:00:48] Joy isn't about ignoring your difficulties. [00:00:52] It isn't about digging your head in the sand. Some of you listening may be dealing with health challenges, relationship challenges, fertility challenges. [00:01:06] Life can get heavy. [00:01:08] But joy is about finding God's goodness in the small moments in the midst of the difficulties. I truly believe that these small moments are what sustains us through the difficult things we face. [00:01:27] Joy isn't always found in monumental events or long periods of time. More often, joy is tucked away in the ordinary moments of our daily lives. [00:01:41] The warmth of a cup of coffee in your hand on a chilly morning. The sound of birds singing outside your window. The way the sunlight looks after it has rained. [00:01:54] For me, a crazy, lovely, simple joy is taking about 10 minutes two days a week to turn on my radio and to dance with my grandson. [00:02:10] I get my body moving. We laugh, we sing songs like in the jungle, the mighty jungle. And we act crazy despite what's happening. If I've had a particularly heavy day listening to the struggles of others, I can take that 10 minutes and laugh and enjoy the simple joy of my grandson's laughter. [00:02:39] This psalm reminds us to rejoice in our day. I understand most days aren't perfect. Many days are just ordinary. Get up, go to work, do the same thing, go to bed. But God can meet us in a night of good sleep. God can meet us in the taste of a great dinner. I want to encourage you not to miss out on good. While you're looking for perfect, open your hearts to the daily moments of joy. [00:03:16] For your practice today, take a moment to list as many simple joys as you can. Keep it simple. It doesn't have to be too big again. Just a really cold glass of water can bring a refreshing joy for me. I know that dark chocolate and sand between my toes will be on my list today. [00:03:41] If you can share your list with someone else, will you pray with me, Maker of joy who brings new days every morning. [00:03:55] Guide our steps as we learn to live lives of gratitude. [00:04:01] Peace and joy fill us. God recalibrate our minds to look for the simple goodness that each day brings. Thank you, God. Amen.