In the spring of 1999, new on the awakening path, I was working on breaking the habit of dwelling so much on negativity. Before getting out of bed, I began focusing on things I was grateful for. Then I sent a strong, heartfelt prayer, “God, help me see joy in all things today.” Immediately and throughout my morning routine, the lyrics to the song, “Joy to the World” played over and over in my mind. I flitted around the house singing and dancing to the tune as I prepared for work.
After breakfast, I was filling some water bottles to take with me. As I was replacing the cap on the last bottle, I clearly saw the word “JOY” appear in big yellow letters instead of the label on all three bottles! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing; after a few blinks, the word disappeared.
On the drive to work, trying to get the “Joy to the World” song lyrics out of my mind, I decided to turn on the radio. Want to guess what was playing? I laughed and sang along.
While on the interstate, I passed a billboard that I had seen numerous times. It was one of the clever 3-D ads for Chick-Fil-A, which is a fast-food chain that specializes in chicken sandwiches. This one had a real ladder with one of the signature Holstein cows painting the company slogan in bold, black letters, “Eat Mor Chikin.” However, as I drove by, the slogan disappeared. In its place appeared one huge word in yellow print, “JOY!”
I had to laugh at the way Spirit was manifesting my prayer to see joy in all things. What a sense of joyous humor! I told them I “got” the message, and to please stop before I wrecked my car.
When I got home, I created a less distracting way to remind me to see joy in all things. Since they were using yellow letters, I decided to use some yellow Post-it notes and on each, I wrote the word “JOY” in bold print. Then I placed them in prominent places in my home and car. Are you wanting more joy in your life? Here are a few scriptures to uplift you.
Psalm 100:1-2 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
John 16:24 “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”