Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7, NRSV

Experiencing joy and the ability to rejoice are actions that are not dependent on our outer circumstances as much as they are our inner life. Do we see beauty in the snow falling, even when it means holiday events are cancelled because of it? Can we let go of the internal lists of all that we need to get done today to enjoy a conversation with the person ahead of us in the check-out line? Do we take time to play with the kids and the cat, letting go of whatever burdens we have to bear? If we worry about all that needs to happen and all the things that might not get done, we can’t see the gifts that the day offers. If worry becomes our constant inner companion, we will miss what our lives offer. Joy is found in making room for precious, holy things.

Whatever life’s difficulties we face, worrying won’t help. Giving our fears and worries, our hopes and dreams, over to God in prayer will. It won’t magically remove our troubles, but it certainly grants us a holy, peaceful, and joyful life.