Key Bible Verse: Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). Bonus Reading: Psalm 37:3–9

When a wife receives an anniversary present from her husband, she may ask, "Why did you do this?" As every husband knows, that's an important question.

If he replies, "I was obliged to do so by custom—it's our anniversary," it's an insult to her (and could result in injury to him). On the other hand, if he says, "You're the joy of my life; I just had to honor you with something nice," her response will be quite different.

Delighting in the relationship is the basis of a good marriage; it's also the basis of all genuine worship of God. Attempts by church leaders to engineer public worship in a way that forces others into being joyful usually don't work.

God wants us to be joyful, yet we can't force our emotions to be exuberant—and if we could, it would mean little. So what's the solution? It's simple: You must bring an existing joy to worship with you. You can't be suddenly joyous on Sunday morning if you've ignored God all week.

"Rejoice always" is the motto written on the banner of Christian living. Getting in touch with God every day in meditation will help keep you conscious of the many reasons to be glad in Him.

My Response: One way I'll find joy today in my relationship with God is …

Thought to Apply: Praise is boasting about what you enjoy. —C. S. Lewis (English scholar and writer, 20th century)