Psalm 9:1-2 (NLT)I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart: I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High

Of all the words in the English language, Joy is one of the most transformative. It can be sparked by moments in our lives but it also dwells deeply within us. Divinely rooted, Joy is a fruit of God's spirit and is always available no matter the challenges we face. Do you remember, as a young child, running just for the sheer joy of running? Jumping for the complete delight of jumping? Or, at any age, singing for the pure joy of singing? This kind of heart-centered rejoicing enriches our spirits and comes from a place of praise to God.

I like to engage in the activity of "Joy-Watching."

Listening to the songbirds in the mornings begins the "Joy-Watch" as the birds express pure happiness in being alive and in welcoming the daylight. Joyful moments happen as neighbors wave to each other, as people smile at each other in the grocery store, and as school kids giggle with each other. I equally enjoy catching sight of spontaneous hugs and listening for words of affirmation and love. Being at church offers an incredible opportunity for "Joy-Watching" as all ages engage in such connections and expressions.

Churches are full of smiles, encouraging words and uplifting moments. These can be noticed in the words of sermons and the messages of choir anthems and songs. Smiles show up as the younger children dash forward to their special time in the church service or spontaneously dance while the Praise band plays.

When heaviness, sadness or fear show up in my life I know that joy remains alongside these feelings and is impossible to completely extinguish. I can lean into the future knowing that praise and joy are constant companions, given by God. Always watching for new and unexpected ways that joy breaks into my life, I remain certain of its continued presence and I anticipate surprises.

Joy can be carried along anywhere we go and offered to others around us who may be needing encouragement during a difficult time. Whole-hearted rejoicing brings strength for the journey and can become an ongoing practice along the way. If all of us let God's joy move through us daily and also spread it freely through our words and actions, its power to transform would make an incredible difference. Making space for praise, joy and gratitude blesses everyone. These gifts are worth watching for.

Prayer

Creator God, renew and restore your joy deeply within us. Give us such hearts of gratitude that we are able to share your blessings throughout each day. Uplift and transform us so that we can lift others around us. With grateful praise, Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Jenny Green

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.