Listen

The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful. Instead of doing those things, these persons love the Lord’s Instruction, and they recite God’s Instruction day and night! They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.

Psalm 1:1-3

Think

Growing up, my mom frequently paraphrased the great Roy Disney when she would say to me, “It’s easy to make decisions when you know what your values are.” And although I sometimes rolled my eyes, it turns out that she was right. We are happier when our actions line up with what we value. Things tend to work out better for us when we make choices that reflect who we really want to be.

It’s important to do some thinking about who you want to be and what choices will get you there. When we choose to follow God’s ways, we will still face hard times, but our decisions will be easier because we know what we value. And from that, our hearts will be more joyful.

Courtney Willis

Question to Ponder:

What are some things that you value? What decisions are you facing that could be easier if you relied on those values?

Pray

Dear God, help me to know what your values are so that I can make sure mine line up with those.  When times are hard or I’m facing challenges, remind me of those values so I can make the right choices and feel joyful about my decisions.

Amen.

Go

May the knowledge that God is always with you fill your heart with joy.