iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women

Discovering Joy in the Cozy Moments of Life - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 10, 2026

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“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11

I often find joy simply by looking for God’s constant presence with me throughout the day. Instead of just looking for God’s work in my life through major events, I’ve learned to use my God-given senses to enjoy the simple blessings that God pours into life day by day. I feel God’s peace while walking around my neighborhood, admiring the tall, mature trees reaching toward the sky. I sense God’s creativity while listening to instrumental music as I work, letting the rhythms of jazz, the energy of bluegrass, or the beat of techno fill the room. I feel connected to God’s love through his blessings when I light candles with invigorating scents like spruce trees, when I sip warm cups of herbal tea in different flavors like berry and lemon, or when I run my fingers through my cat’s thick, fluffy Siberian Forest cat fur. In every single one of these cozy moments, my senses remind me that God is right here beside me, making enjoyable experiences possible.

You don’t need to wait for major events like your birthday or a vacation to enjoy your life. Psalm 16:11 points out that God makes known to you the path of life, and you can find joy right in God’s presence. Because God is always with you, that fullness of joy is available to you anytime and anywhere you focus on God’s presence with you.

When you use the senses God gave you to enjoy the cozy moments scattered across your day, you’re actually opening your heart to notice God himself. Listening to good music, eating a delicious meal, or relaxing with a soft blanket are more than just nice experiences. They’re blessings from your loving Heavenly Father who loves to see you enjoy your life!

Think about how you can practice connecting with God’s presence in simple ways today. God is always with you, anytime and anywhere. All you need to do is direct your attention to God and invite him into whatever you’re already doing. It can help to thank God for the blessings of simple practices that you enjoy. You can use your senses in the process. Here are some ideas:

  • Look around you: Take a break from your work to really look at nature outside your window, or admire the flame of a candle on your desk. Ask God to help you see the beauty he has placed in your surroundings. 
  • Listen closely: Turn on music that relaxes or inspires you. As you enjoy the music you hear, thank God for the gift of creativity. Let the music calm your mind and bring your focus back to God’s loving presence with you. 
  • Touch and feel: Hug a family member or friend, or pet your dog or cat. Let those physical textures ground you in the reality that God is embracing you spiritually with that same loving care. 
  • Taste and smell: Savor the scent of your favorite candle or the rich flavor of your favorite snack. Let each breath or sip inspire you to thank God for his generosity.

 When you practice paying attention to the details of cozy experiences you enjoy, your perspective begins to change. You’ll think less about stress and worry, and more about God, as you notice the wonder of God’s work in your daily life. You’ll realize that you can experience joy right in the middle of your ordinary activities, because your Creator is walking through your days with you. You’ll find God wherever you go – in your kitchen, your car, your office, on your evening walks, and everywhere else.

You can discover joy in the cozy moments of life by learning to rest in God’s presence right where you are. When you connect to God’s constant closeness, the ordinary moments of your life become sacred spaces where you can discover joy in every blessing God provides.

Let’s pray ...

Dear God,
Thank you so much for your constant presence with me every single day. Forgive me for the times I rush through my days without noticing how close you really are. Please help me be more aware of the simple blessings you pour into my life. Help me to slow down and use my senses to experience the blessings you give me. When I look at nature, hear music, smell a candle, eat dinner, or feel a hug, let that sensory experience remind me that these blessings come from you. Teach me to find joy right where I am, knowing that you’re walking with me every step of the way through every day. I look forward to enjoying many cozy moments with you. Thank you, God.
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.

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Photo Credit: Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ RelaxFoto.de


headshot of author Whitney HoplerWhitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com and on her Facebook author page.

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