Key Bible Verse: You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine (Psalm 4:7). Bonus Reading: Luke 6:20-23

Leaving a frustrating meeting in downtown Minneapolis, I had 30 minutes to get to my next appointment on the sloppy sidewalks. I needed to look good, so watching my shoes get muddier aggravated my foul mood. I headed for a shoeshine stand, where an elderly man slowly rose to greet me. He glanced at my shoes and said, "Man, you came to the right place. Hop up and let Jake take care of you."

As he wiped away all traces of mud, I fumed over my disastrous meeting with ten surgeons. With slow, circular motions Jake rubbed polish deep into my shoes. "Life sure is good, ain't it?" he said.

"That depends on your perspective," I countered.

Jake looked up. "I don't know about you, but the good Lord has blessed me with a great 90 years."

"What's the key to your success?" I asked.

"Appreciation. I appreciate everything the Lord has given me." Then for seven minutes Jake described a life of poverty and struggles, but blessed with a job he loved and a loving family. I thought about the surgeons who financially had everything they needed, yet were stressed and complaining. For the first time, I understood what it means to be joyful always and to give thanks in all circumstances.

—Larry Julian in God Is My CEO

My Response: Am I really convinced that God uses all circumstances for my good?

Thought to Apply: Joy is the echo of God's life in us.—JOSEPH MARMION (Irish Catholic cleric)

Adapted from God Is My CEO (Adams Media, 2001) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Teach me, Lord, how to harness Your joy to prevail over contrary circumstances.

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