“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

Life has a way of pulling us in a thousand different directions. Between work, family responsibilities, and the endless list of to-dos, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty that each day holds. We find ourselves caught in the grind, waiting for the next big moment, the next weekend, or the next vacation to experience joy. But Psalm 118:24 reminds us of a simple yet profound truth: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

This verse isn’t just a call to rejoice in the good times or when everything is going our way. It’s an invitation to find joy in every day, to see the beauty in the ordinary moments that make up our lives. It’s about embracing the present and recognizing that each day is a gift from God, filled with opportunities to experience His goodness.

One of the keys to encouraging joy in our daily lives is learning to find beauty in the small things. It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, what’s missing, or what’s not quite right. But when we intentionally shift our focus to the good, the beautiful, and the blessings that surround us, we open our hearts to a deeper, more lasting joy.

Let me share a personal story that brings this idea home. There was a time when I was so wrapped up in the busyness of life that I was missing out on the little moments that bring joy. One morning, as I rushed through my routine, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks. My youngest daughter, Brianna, had left a little note on the kitchen counter. It was just a simple, hand-drawn picture with the words “I love you, Dad.” I can’t tell you how much that small gesture meant to me. In that moment, all the stress and busyness faded away, and I was reminded of the beauty and joy that can be found in the simplest expressions of love.

That morning, I realized that joy isn’t something we find in big events or life’s milestones alone. It’s in the little things—the warm smile from a loved one, the beauty of a sunrise, the sound of laughter, or a quiet moment of reflection. These are the moments where we can see God’s hand at work, reminding us that He is with us, that He cares for us, and that every day is a gift.

But finding beauty in the everyday requires a conscious effort. It’s about choosing to slow down, to take a breath, and to open our eyes to the world around us. It’s about being present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. When we do this, we begin to see the fingerprints of God in the ordinary, and our hearts are filled with a joy that transcends our circumstances.

So, how do we cultivate this kind of joy in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Start with Gratitude: Each morning, take a moment to thank God for the day ahead. Focus on the blessings you have, no matter how small, and let that gratitude set the tone for your day. 

2. Be Present: Make a conscious effort to be present in each moment. Whether you’re at work, with your family, or even running errands, try to engage fully with what you’re doing. Notice the details, the colors, the sounds, and the people around you.

3. Find Beauty in the Ordinary: Look for the beauty in the everyday moments. It might be in the way the sunlight filters through the trees, the taste of your morning coffee, or the laughter of your children. These moments are gifts, and when we acknowledge them, we open ourselves up to joy.

4. Rejoice in the Lord: Remember that true joy comes from our relationship with God. Spend time in prayer and in His Word, allowing Him to fill your heart with His peace and joy.

As we go through this week, let’s commit to finding beauty in each day. Let’s choose to rejoice, not because everything is perfect, but because we know that God is with us, and He has made this day for us. Let’s embrace the joy that comes from seeing His hand in the ordinary moments of our lives.