By: Sarah Geringer
He fills my life with good things.
Psalm 103:5 NLT
A few years ago I made an impulse purchase. I had a coupon for Dayspring's website, and the Happy Journal with Snoopy on the cover captured my heart.
I love all things Snoopy, even though I'm over 40 years old. Snoopy was my favorite cuddle toy when I was young. I still enjoy watching the seasonal Peanuts specials with my children, and the sight of Snoopy always makes me smile.
Snoopy reminds me of happiness. You may have heard the Peanuts sayings like "Happiness is a warm puppy" or "Happiness is cookies and milk." When I was a child, I had a bedspread with all kinds of "Happiness is" Peanuts sayings. Most of the happy things were small, or things that you can't touch, like friendships or sunshine.
I need this happy journal now more than ever. I need to intentionally focus on the lighter side of life or I'll get bogged down in the heavy. By combining Psalm 103:5a with my new happy journal, I will find the joy God wants for me.
- Good conversations
- Basil seeds that sprouted on their own
- Supper on the grill
- Fresh blackberries
- Free books in the mail (I'm a book reviewer)
Whether they are small or large, I'm recording happy things in my journals. Even when I'm feeling tired, hormonal, or blue, I force myself to write down something good. I find joy in the process.
God fills your life with good things. Here are 5 ways to praise him for them today.
How has God filled your life with good things, friend? Here are ways you can take stock.
- Be intentional--write them down, or pray them out loud every morning or every evening.
- Be specific--go beyond things like family, health, or your church. God wants to hear the details!
- Be creative--take a walk, look through photos, browse your pantry, or look through your closet for inspiration.
- Be generous--Know someone else who needs to find joy? Ask them to join you in the happy challenge. I do this with my children, and it even works on my teenagers!
- Be reflective--Each time you plan to make a new entry, review a few from the past. You'll find joy in God's faithfulness and abundance.
If you have a suggestion for thanking God for the good things, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings and God's peace to you,
Photo from Canva.com
Discussion questions:
- What is the best time of day or week for you to record the good things God does?
- How can praising God for the good things help you on a bad day?
Note: A version of this post originally published on May 18, 2018.
I love this post and your suggestions. Every morning before I start reading in my Bible, I take my notebook and write at least 5 things in the previous day I am grateful for. I try to be specific. This practice in the morning boosts my mood.
ReplyDeleteVery good practice, friend! Thanks for sharing.
DeleteSarah, this is a beautiful way to be practical and intentional with our praise for the good God is doing in our lives. In the morning, when doing Bible study, I write God's faithfulness in my journal. But I will be adding in writing down 5. To reflect on God's faithfulness brings joy to my heart, especially when I am down.
ReplyDeleteExcellent practice! Blessings to you.
DeleteSarah, this is a beautiful way to be practical and intentional with our praise for the good God is doing in our lives. In the morning, when doing Bible study, I write God's faithfulness in my journal. But I will be adding in writing down 5. To reflect on God's faithfulness brings joy to my heart, especially when I am down.
ReplyDeleteI need to do this too - I say them in prayers, but not writing them down as often as I used to do. Will resume it now!
DeleteBeing intentional makes all the difference, Sarah!
ReplyDelete