Finding Joy in Simple, Ordinary Moments - Your Nightly Prayer - June 5th
Joy in Simple, Ordinary Moments
Your Nightly Prayer
by Kristine Brown
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.” - Ecclesiastes 5:18 NIV
SOMETHING TO PONDER
The other day, my neighbor came to our door to drop off a piece of mail she’d received by mistake. The smile on her face alerted me that she wanted to share more than just mail. She urged me to follow her outside to see something special—a vibrant butterfly, flitting around an azalea bush in our yard. The simple sight obviously brought her joy, and she wanted to share it with me. She and her husband led my husband and me to where the butterfly feasted on the bright pink blooms. I can’t help but smile as I remember that moment. How silly we must’ve looked to passersby—four people standing still, staring at a bush in the front yard! It was something so ordinary, but my neighbor had to spread the joy she found with others. As I think back on that memory, I cannot recall what I was doing before my neighbor came to the door. With everyone in our home recovering from health issues, we hadn’t left the house much. Our days had become a monotonous cycle of daily tasks. That one simple, ordinary moment had a profound impact on our perspective.
In tonight’s verse, the speaker encourages us to “find satisfaction” in the life God has given us. The Amplified Version puts it this way, “to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors…” That seems like a tall order when the labor of everyday life leaves us worn out and weary. But this verse affirms a truth that is spoken of throughout the book of Ecclesiastes—that we should enjoy the blessings of this life. Finding joy in simple, ordinary moments is a strategy we can use to win the battle over discontentment. It takes practice, but as we incorporate this strategy into our everyday lives, we will see our light and momentary troubles fade in comparison to God’s goodness.
The preceding verse, Ecclesiastes 5:17, gives a solemn picture of life without joy-filled moments. “All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction, and anger.” Thankfully, we can choose contentment instead. God is good, and every good and perfect gift is from him. (James 1:17) So, whether our toil is in the home, outdoors, or in the workplace, we have much to be thankful for. Let’s pray for God’s help in seeing new blessings in the life he’s given us and noticing more opportunities for joy.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear God,
Forgive me for missing out on the many opportunities to notice joy in ordinary moments. You have given me so much to be thankful for, yet I often forget to stop and take notice. Your creation is filled with beautiful things that bring me joy. Thank you for reminding me of the simplicity of your goodness and how it is available all around me. I refuse to let frustration over my responsibilities steal my joy. Instead, I choose contentment in the simple everyday moments of life, even when I’m weary from daily tasks. Thank you for your many blessings. Help me notice them more. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
- As your day draws to a close, think of one thing that brings you great joy. Now, think about how much joy you bring to your Heavenly Father. Ponder that truth for a few minutes and allow it to comfort you.
- What is one thing you’ve noticed recently that made you smile? Ask God to help you notice even more of his blessings tomorrow.
- Read over today’s verse one more time and ask God to give you fresh insight into its meaning for your life today.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Riccardo Mion
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