**The Joy of Daily Routines: Bringing Joy to Others When Feeling Stuck**
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live a life of joy, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. The Bible reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). However, we often struggle to find joy in our daily routines, especially when we feel stuck. The good news is that our daily routines can indeed bring joy to others, and even to ourselves, as we practice living out our faith.
**Practicing Joy in Daily Routines**
Richard Foster, in his book "The Celebration of Discipline," writes that joy is the keynote of all the disciplines. He notes that as we practice disciplines such as solitude, fasting, or serving, they can become joyful over time. This is because joy is not something we find, but something we cultivate. As we make our own purpose and joy, we can turn away from misery and towards joy. We can choose to honor God, even in the midst of difficulties, and find joy in our daily routines. For example, if we're feeling stuck, we can choose to practice gratitude by writing down three things we're thankful for each day. We can also choose to worship God by singing hymns or playing music. As we practice these disciplines, we can find joy in our daily routines and bring joy to others as well.
**Making Joy a Priority**
Ultimately, making joy a priority in our daily routines requires a mindset shift. We must choose to see our daily routines as opportunities to live out our faith and bring joy to others, rather than just going through the motions. We must also be willing to practice disciplines such as solitude, fasting, or serving, even when it's hard. As we do, we can find joy in our daily routines and experience the peace, contentment, and fulfillment that comes from living a life that reflects God's joy. So, let us make joy a priority in our daily routines and bring joy to others, even when we're feeling stuck. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of joy and live a life that honors God. (Psalm 126:1-2) "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev." (NIV) Bookmark the following Bible verses for further study: Psalm 126:1-2, Nehemiah 8:10. Bookmark the following books for further study: "The Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster.