A prayer to experience more of God's joy each day by Betsy de Cruz, read by Liam

Martin.

For you make him most blessed forever, you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

Last weekend I stumbled upon joy in my own backyard, taking advantage of a sunny day

I went out and bought flowers, forgetting how much work it would be to pull in everything.

But by the time I finished my back ached, however I couldn't stop smiling at the view on

the back porch, vivid fuchsia, yellow and pink blooms everywhere.

I ignored my aching muscles and thought about the spring and summer joy those flowers

would bring.

On a scale of one to ten, how joyful do you feel today, friend?

I'd be the first to admit that sometimes job stress or busy schedule or worry can steal

my enjoyment of life.

But in Psalm 21, King David reminds me of the source of our joy, God's presence.

I found joy in my own backyard after a few hours of hard work, but we can find joy anywhere

because God's presence surrounds us always.

However, we have to be intentional about cultivating gladness in Him.

Here are three keys to more joy.

1.

Remember God is present with you.

It's simple things help you step back from the busyness of life to connect with God.

I enjoy lighting a candle in the morning while I drink my coffee or making time for an evening

walk.

...