April 15, 2026

Each month, I focus on one of the Fruits of the Spirit, looking up Scriptures and absorbing as much value as I can. This month I am concentrating on Joy and reminding myself to choose Joy every day. No matter what is going on in our lives, we are to “count it all joy.” Success is not judged by a single moment. Neither is joy. We have a loving Father God who longs to bless us. He also longs to train us in wisdom. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is always with us, training us, loving us and bringing us through every challenge.

Throughout this year, I’m certain we will look at each Fruit of the Spirit. I gravitate to Patience often. But Joy is a treasure. In good times and bad, in healthy times, prosperity seasons, and even challenging times, we can choose joy. I keep a gratitude list in my prayer notes, reminding myself to thank God for all He has done. Time with family. Success with home repairs, updates and reaching goals. When we struggle in business or attaining objectives, we need to acknowledge the progress we’ve made. Obstacles trigger creativity and we grow when we overcome them. Each day, when we choose Joy, we choose wisdom and strength.

God, Thank You for Joy. Thank You for laughter and love and the thrill we feel just living in Your beautiful world. I am grateful I am trained to choose Joy and to embrace it in the midst of challenge. I am sorry for those times I used to feel unloved, guilty and unworthy just because You didn’t say yes to my requests. Lessons in life help me grow. Obstacles are powerful training. To be in Your family, grafted in and loved greatly, is pure grace. Thank You, God, for all You have given.

You make the path of life known to me. In your presence there is complete joy. Acts 2:28