Listen

Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Think

Have you ever noticed that the more anxiety you sense in people the more you start tensing up? Sometimes when I sense anxiousness I start wondering if there is something I am missing that I should be anxious about. We share energy, air, and space, and this energy can be a powerful tool.

Our scripture for today reminds us that our anxiety is not to hold on to. It is for us to share and hopefully release to God to hold with and for us. This release will in turn make room for thankfulness and, hopefully, more awareness and compassion for those around us. When we choose joy, choosing to embody and embrace the deep joy that comes from receiving, sharing, and committing to love like Jesus, it is transformational. The energy of choosing joy is palpable and so powerful. Breathe it in and breathe it out. Abiding joy is here for us all.

Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks

Question to Ponder: 

How can you show joy to testify to Jesus’ transformation in you?

Pray

God of my joy, thank you for energizing me toward joy. Help me to bring my anxieties to you, trusting that I do not need to hold them myself. Remind me of the power I have to share the joy that comes from you. May I never forget that your love will never let me go! Amen.

Go

You are the God of justice

You are the God who sees

You are the God who heals and

Who loves the world through me

We believe our love can change things

We will not live silently

You are the God of justice

You are the God who sees

You oh Lord are with us

We will not be afraid