Simple Joys in the Present

This is the day that the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.– Psalm 118:24

As I ponder all that lies ahead in the new year, I often find myself reflecting over the trials and triumphs of the previous. My favorite thing about a new year is that even if you’re still in the same place, it feels like a fresh start. After a bit of reflection of this past year, I’ve decided that my word for this year is joy.

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a pattern in my life of being way too in my head during moments when I should be reveling in joy. I’ve seen my desire to be one step ahead, or to fix something in my life, start to overshadow all of the good. Instead of being fully present in those joyful moments, I’ve chosen to give into anxiety and fear about circumstances that I can’t even control.

I’ve found myself thinking, “If I can just get to this point by this age…” or “One day everything will fall into place and I can finally relax” and so on. Instead of being stuck drowning in a never-ending stream of thoughts that really are not helping anything, I want to embrace the present and rejoice in the joy that He freely gives us every day.

What God has been teaching me lately is to appreciate what I have and to find joy in those little everyday moments. While we may struggle, even daily, surely we can find one thing to find joy in. Even if it’s a simple as sipping your morning coffee, or taking your furry friend for a walk. I think sometimes we get so busy with stressors related to work, family, or other relationships, that we may miss out on what is right in front of us.

This year I want to embrace the little things instead of rushing past them to get to the next item on my to do list. I want to enjoy simplicity and be fully present in each moment, good or bad. I don’t want to continue to walk through my days in an almost dazed state. And each day He is showing me more and more little ways to find those simple joys in the present.

Reflection

1. What is one simple thing you can find joy in today?

2. How can you keep embracing the joy that He gives us when circumstances aren’t working out how you would like them to?

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that You will help me to remember that Your mercies are new every morning. Help me to see all the wonderful joy and blessings in my life, even when I feel discouraged. I trust in Your plan today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

*First posted with Lane of Roses.