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Embrace the Spirit of joy

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.Back in the ’70s, Mom worked nights as a waitress. While she was gone, Dad took charge of my sisters and me, which meant we had him all to ourselves.

Dad had a gift—a knack for storytelling that drew us in and held us captive for hours. The moment she left, little feet would gather around the kitchen table, and with cherry Kool-Aid in hand, we’d hang on every word. It was our time, and we loved every second of it.

While every night at the table was good, one stood out from the rest. Dad decided to make us some popcorn. Pulling out the big pot, he set it on the stove, warmed up the oil, poured in the kernels, and started shaking the pot. Before we knew it, all chaos broke loose, and popcorn was flying everywhere! Bursting out of the pot like fireworks, it scattered across the kitchen while my sisters and I screamed and squealed, chasing every piece down.

Dad quickly grabbed the lid, taming the chaos before offering us a kernel of wisdom: “Sometimes you just have to lift the lid,” he said, laughing, “so the joy can spill out.”

Perhaps it was a lighthearted lesson, but even so, it held a profound truth: joy isn’t something we keep to ourselves—it’s meant to pour out to the people around us. It doesn’t have to be forced or measured. It shows up when you open your heart and let it spill out.

Looking back at that night, I’m reminded of how joy has a wonderful way of warming our hearts and lifting our souls. It’s a gift from God that bubbles up from within, bringing with it a deep and lasting peace. For some, moments of joy feel far apart and few between, appearing unexpectedly and vanishing just as quickly. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Joy is not just a passing feeling—it’s something we can nurture and embrace, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV). This reminds us that joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It’s the result of trusting Him and living in the overflow of hope.

It’s not about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about trusting in the God who is. It’s about letting His goodness fill our hearts and overflow into our words, our actions, and our relationships. And when that joy spills out to others, it inspires, it encourages, and it draws them closer to the One who is the source of joy.

Imagine the shepherds out in the fields, going about their ordinary routine, when suddenly, the angel of the Lord appeared with incredible news: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). The shepherds didn’t keep that joy to themselves—they hurried to see the Christ child and then spread the word about everything they had witnessed. Their joy spilled out to others.

Like the shepherds, we’re called to share the good news of the gospel: the hope we have in Christ, the peace we have through Him, and the joy that fills our hearts because of Him—a joy that’s meant to overflow to those around us.

Spreading joy doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does it have to be grand. In fact, here are some simple ways that we can start:

1. Write an encouraging note: Send a card or message to someone who might need a little extra joy.
2. Give generously: Whether it’s your time, a small gift, or a helping hand, find a way to bless someone else.
3. Speak life: Use your words to build others up and reflect the love of Christ.
4. Celebrate God’s goodness: Share a story of how God has blessed you recently to inspire joy in someone else.
5. Pray for someone: Take a moment to pray for someone who might be struggling. Ask God to help them find their joy.

This Week’s Challenge

Choose to spread joy in a small but meaningful way. It could be through a kind word, a note of encouragement, or a thoughtful gesture to someone who might need a little extra joy. Ask God to show you how you can be a light to someone today. (challenge also found on day 15, page 62 in “Prepare Him Room”)

This Week’s Bible Verse

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