Choosing Joy

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

I didn’t feel much like rejoicing this morning. The baby was up all night, the coffee tasted burnt, and the to-do list felt like it would never end. But as I shuffled through the morning routine, I felt God nudging me: “This is the day I’ve made. Will you rejoice in it?”

Choosing joy doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes it feels easier to wallow in frustration or exhaustion. But joy isn’t about pretending everything is perfect—it’s about finding gratitude in the imperfect. It’s about noticing the way your toddler’s laughter lights up the room, the warmth of the sun on your face during a quick walk, or the comfort of a friend’s text just when you need it.

Joy is a choice. And when we choose it, we’re choosing to see God’s goodness woven into the fabric of our messy, beautiful lives. Today, let’s look for the gifts He’s placed right in front of us and let gratitude transform our hearts.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the blessings You’ve hidden in the everyday moments. Help me to choose joy, even when life feels hard. Open my eyes to the beauty around me and fill my heart with gratitude. Amen.