The 21-Day Joy Cure—Part 2
It’s November! We exuberantly highlight November 25 as Thanksgiving Day. Even in these chaotic times, the Holy Spirit provides waves of comfort, defying all external circumstances. Like last year, time-honored traditions or gatherings may look vastly different. Perhaps established, longstanding customs and choices changed. Nevertheless, one of the many things for which we offer grateful praise is for the blessing of joyousness.
Some behavioral experts say that anything you do for 21 consecutive days becomes a life-changing habit. I propose that we continue the joy strategies launched here last month. Here is the final part of my “21 Day Joy Cure.” Last month’s magazine highlighted days 1-7.
Day 8—Lift up frequent prayers of joy for family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers you encounter.
Day 9—Forgive! Forgiveness destroys weights and instantly anchors your peace.
Day 10—Just walk away. Take an actual walk or find a quiet place to put anxiety and stress behind you.
Day 11—Choose not to let life disappoint you. Instead, give thanks in all things.
Day 12—See God’s faithfulness in every situation, even when things go wrong. Live and speak the words of the hymn: “Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning, new mercies I see.”
Day 13—Write your personal hymn in response to all annoyances. Mine is tited—“I can’t hear you!” Avoid listening to negative words.
Day 14—Speak love. Tell someone you love them. Words have power.
Day 15—Know God’s presence. See Him with spiritual eyes. Talk to Him. Know He’s here, speaking meaningful answers to every question.
Day 16—Don’t cry! As believers in Jesus Christ, we have no reason to give up and be sad.
Day 17—Start your praise party early this morning. “Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (Isaiah 61:3) That’s key to overcoming any spirit of despair.
Day 18—Take a praise break every 2 hours. Frequent praise rivets our focus on the One Who is our Hope.
Day 19—Keep praising! We are in a battle against the enemy of our souls. When we lift Christ, the enemy flees. (Ephesians 6:12).
Day 20—Acknowledge Christ as your Mighty Warrior. He fights for you, no matter what battles you face. Our weapons are powerful in pulling down spiritual strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Joyous praise is your weapon of war!
Day 21—Change your spiritual atmosphere. Alter your focus from doubt to faith. The atmosphere changes when God is exalted. Make radiant JOY a habit!
Every revolution begins with a single act of defiance. Defiant joy shakes mountains, moves stones, prays out sweat, and conquers death. Jesus did it! Because of Him, we are capable of revolutionary JOY.
Regina M. Prude is an author and inspirational speaker. E-mail: [email protected]. Facebook (www.facebook.com/reginaprude) Twitter (http://twitter.com/rprude.) Write: PO Box 58795, Nashville, TN 37205.
© Regina M. Prude 2021
