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Joy

3-Minute Devotions for Women

Jou r n al

YOU are the reason we do what we do here at Barbour Publishing. We promise that we will always use our God-given talents to produce content with you in mind—and that we will remain biblically faithful, no matter what. Thank you for being the heart of our business. © 2017 by Barbour Publishing, Inc. ISBN 979-8-89151-415-7 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher. Reproduced text may not be used on the World Wide Web. No Barbour Publishing content may be used as artificial intelligence training data for machine learning, or in any similar software development. Readings are compiled and have been adapted from: Daily Wisdom for Women 2013 Collection, Daily Wisdom for Women 2014 Collection, Everyday Joy, Everyday Encouragement, Everyday Hope, and 365 Encouraging Verses of the Bible. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Churches and other noncommercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does not exceed 500 words or 5 percent of the entire book, whichever is less, and that the text is not material quoted from another publisher. When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “From Choose Joy: 3-Minute Devotions for Women Journal, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.” Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked esv are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked nlt are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked nasb are taken from the (nasb®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www. Lockman.org Scripture quotations marked ampc are taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org Scripture quotations marked msg are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Scripture quotations marked kjv are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations marked nkjv are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ncv are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked tlb are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. The Living Bible, TLB, and the The Living Bible logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers. Scripture quotations marked cev are taken from the Contemporary English Version®. Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks. com Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.

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Introduction I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God. Psalm 9:1–2 msg

These devotions are especially for those days when you need a bit of encouragement and a gentle reminder to CHOOSE JOY! Three minutes from your busy day is all you’ll need to refresh your spirit and fill your cup to overflowing with joy for the journey. • Minute 1: Read and reflect on God’s Word. • Minute 2: Read the devotion and think about how it applies to your life. • Minute 3: Pray. Although these devotions aren’t meant as a tool for deep Bible study, they can be a touchstone to keep you grounded and focused on God, the giver of joy. May this book remind you that delight can be discovered in the everyday moments of life.

Joy in the Morning All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. Psalm 22:26 nlt

Every day, God provides us with beauty all around to cheer and help us. It may come through the beauty of flowers or the bright blue sky—or maybe the white snow covering the trees of a glorious winter wonderland. It may be through the smile of a child or the grateful face of the one we care for. Each and every day, the Lord has a special gift to remind us of whose we are and to generate the joy we need to succeed.

Lord God, I thank You for Your joy; I thank You for providing it every day to sustain me. I will be joyful in You.

He Enjoys You “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 esv

Zephaniah’s words remind us that God is our loving parent. Our mighty Savior offers us a personal relationship, loving and rejoicing over us, His children, glad that we live and move in Him. He is the Lord of the universe, and yet He will quiet our restless hearts and minds with His tender love. He delights in our lives and celebrates our union with Him. We can rest in His affirmation and love no matter what circumstances surround us.

Lord, help me remember that You are always with me and that You delight in me. Remind me that I am Your child and that You enjoy our relationship.

Sweet Aroma The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27:9 nlt

Whether it’s over coffee, over dessert, or even on the phone, a cherished friend can offer the encouragement and God-directed counsel we all need from time to time. Friendships that have Christ as their center are wonderful relationships blessed by the Father. Through the timely, godly advice these friends offer, God speaks to us, showering us with comfort that is as sweet as perfume and incense. So what are you waiting for? Make a date with a friend and share the sweet aroma of Jesus!

Jesus, Your friendship means the world to me. I also value the close friendships You’ve blessed me with! Thank You for the special women in my life. Show me every day how to be a blessing to them just as they are to me.

The New Me Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 niv

Are you in Christ? Is He consistently Lord of your life? Then you are a new creation. Everything is new. What’s history is done and over—and Jesus has replaced your old with His new: new peace, new joy, new love, new strength. Since God Himself sees us as a new creation, how can we do any less? We need to choose to see ourselves as a new creation too. And we can, through God’s grace. Be glad. Give thanks. Live each day as the new creation you have become through Jesus.

Father, I’m so thankful that You are a God of grace— and I thank You that I am a new creation. Please give me the spiritual eyes to see myself as a new creation, looking past the guilt of yesterday’s choices.

Unchained! The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 niv

Do you struggle with fear? Do you feel it binding you with invisible chains? If so, then there’s good news. Through Jesus, you have received the Spirit of sonship. A son (or daughter) of the Most High God has nothing to fear. Knowing you’ve been set free is enough to make you cry, “Abba, Father!” in praise. Today, acknowledge your fears to the Lord. He will loose your chains and set you free.

Lord, thank You that You are the great chain breaker! I don’t have to live in fear. I am Your child, Your daughter, and You are my Daddy-God!

People Pleaser vs. God Pleaser We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 niv

When we allow ourselves to be real before God, it doesn’t matter what others think. If the God of the universe has accepted us, then who cares about someone else’s opinion? It is impossible to please both God and man. We must make a choice. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Align your heart with His. Let go of impression management, which focuses on outward appearance. Receive God’s unconditional love and enjoy the freedom to be yourself before Him!

Dear Lord, may I live for You alone. Help me transition from a people pleaser to a God pleaser. Amen.

He Will Send Help “The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. . . . In my distress I called to the Lord. . . . From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.” 2 Samuel 22:5, 7 niv

God never asked us to do life alone. When the waves of death swirl around us and the pounding rain of destruction threatens to overwhelm us, we can cry out to our heavenly Father, knowing that He will not let us drown. He will hear our voice, and He will send help. So next time you feel like you can’t put one foot in front of the other, ask God to send you His strength and energy. He will help you to live out your purpose in this chaotic world.

Lord, thank You for strengthening me when the “dailyness” of life and its various trials threaten to overwhelm me.

Shake It Up! The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. . . . I will bless you. . .and you will be a blessing to others.” Genesis 12:1–2 nlt

In God’s wisdom, He likes to shake us up a little, nudge us out of our comfort zone, push us out on a limb. Yet we resist the change, cling to what’s known, and try to change His mind with fat, sloppy tears. Are you facing a big change? God wants you to be willing to embrace change that He brings into your life. Even unbidden change. You may feel as if you’re out on a limb, but don’t forget that God is the tree trunk. He’s not going to let you fall.

Holy, loving Father, in every area of my life teach me to trust You more deeply. Amen.

Release the Music Within Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. Ecclesiastes 8:5 nlt

It has been said that many people go to their graves with their music still in them. Do you carry a song within your heart that is waiting to be heard? Whether we are eight or eighty, it is never too late to surrender our hopes and dreams to God. A wise woman trusts that God will help her find the time and manner in which to use her talents for His glory while seeking His direction. Let the music begin.

Dear Lord, my music is fading against the constant beat of a busy life. I surrender my gifts to You and pray for the time and manner in which I can use those gifts to touch my world. Amen.

Simply Silly A cheerful disposition is good for your health. Proverbs 17:22 msg

Imagine the effect we could have on our world today if our countenance reflected the joy of the Lord all of the time: at work, at home, at play. Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 niv). Is your cup of joy full? Have you laughed today? Not a small smile, but laughter. Maybe it’s time we look for something to laugh about and taste joy. Jesus suggested it.

Lord, help me find joy this day. Let me laugh and give praises to the King. Amen.

Anxious Anticipation I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 niv

Have you ever been so eager for the future that you forgot to be thankful for the present day? Humans have a tendency to complain about the problems and irritations of life. It’s much less natural to appreciate the good things we have—until they’re gone. While it’s fine to look forward to the future, let’s remember to reflect on all of today’s blessings—the large and the small—and appreciate all that we do have.

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of today. Please remind me when I become preoccupied with the future to enjoy the present.

Refreshing Gift For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon 7 nkjv

Jesus always took time for those who reached out to Him. In a crowd of people, He stopped to help a woman who touched Him. His quiet love extended to everyone who asked, whether verbally or with unspoken need. God brings people into our path who need our encouragement. We must consider those around us. Smile and thank the waitress, the cashier, the people who help in small ways. Cheering others can have the effect of an energizing drink of water, allowing them to finish the race with a smile.

Jesus, thank You for being an example of how to encourage and refresh others. Help me to see their needs and be willing to reach out. Amen.

Infinite and Personal Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? . . . Do not I fill heaven and earth? Jeremiah 23:23–24 kjv

God says that He is both close at hand and over all there is. Whether your day is crumbling around you or is the best you have ever had, do you see God in it? Even if the “sky is falling,” do you still recognize the one who orders all the planets and all your days? Whether we see Him or not, God tells us He is there. And He’s here too—in the good times and the bad.

Lord, empower me to trust You when it’s hard to remember that You are near. And help me to live thankfully when times are good. Amen.

Chosen Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you. Jeremiah 1:5 ampc

God said that before He formed Jeremiah in his mother’s womb, He knew him. God separated him from everyone else to perform a specific task, and He consecrated him for that purpose. We can be sure that if God did that for Jeremiah, He did it for each one of us. Nothing about us or our circumstances surprises God. He knew about everything before we were born. And He ordained that we should walk in those ways because we are uniquely qualified by Him to do so. What an awesome God we serve!

Father, the thought that You chose me before the foundation of the world and set me apart for a specific calling is humbling. You are so good. May I go forward with a renewed purpose in life.

God in the Details “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 niv

Sometimes when our lives seem to be under siege from the demands of work, bills, family—whatever—finding the work of God amid the strife can be difficult. Even though we acknowledge His power, we may overlook the gentle touches, the small ways in which He makes every day a little easier. Just as the Lord cares for the tiniest bird (Matthew 10:29–31), so He seeks to be a part of every detail in your life. Look for Him there.

Father God, I know You are by my side every day, good or bad, and that You love and care for me. Help me to see Your work in my life and in the lives of my friends and family.

Practicality vs. Passion Leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” John 4:28–29 niv

Practicality gave way to passion the day the woman at the well abandoned her task, laid down her jar, and ran into town. Everything changed the day she met a man at the well and He asked her for a drink of water. Although they had never met before, He told her everything she had ever done and then He offered her living water that would never run dry. Do you live with such passion, or do you cling to your water jar? Has an encounter with Christ made an impact that cannot be denied in your life?

Lord, help me to lay down anything that stifles my passion for sharing the good news with others. Amen.

Marvelous Plans Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 niv

God has a “promised land” for us all—a marvelous plan for our lives. Recount and record His faithfulness in your life in the past, because God has already demonstrated His marvelous plans to you in so many ways. Then prayerfully anticipate the future journey with Him. Keep a record of God’s marvelous plans in a journal as He unfolds them day by day. You will find God to be faithful in the smallest aspects of your life and oh so worthy of your trust.

Oh Lord, help me to recount Your faithfulness, record Your faithfulness, and trust Your faithfulness in the future. For You are my God, and You have done marvelous things, planned long ago. Amen.

Life Preservers My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50 niv

In the difficulties of life, God is our life preserver. When we are battered by the waves of trouble, we can expect God to understand and comfort us in our distress. His Word, like a buoyant life preserver, holds us up in the bad times. But the life preserver only works if you put it on before your boat sinks. God will surround you with His love and protection—even if you’re unconscious of His presence. He promises to keep our heads above water in the storms of life.

Preserving God, I cling to You as my life preserver. Keep my head above the turbulent waters of life so I don’t drown. Bring me safely to the shore.

A Shadow of the Past “Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent.” Joshua 6:17 niv

Rahab wasn’t trapped by her past. It didn’t hold her back. She was used by God. Her name has come down to us centuries later because of her bold faith. We all have to deal with a past. But God is able to bring good from a painful past. By the grace and power of God we can make choices in the present that can affect our future. There is transforming power with God. We have hope—no matter what lies behind us.

Holy Spirit, You are always at work. Don’t ever stop! Show me a new way, Lord. Help me to make healthier choices for myself and my family. Thank You for Your renewing presence in my life.

Charm Bracelet But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22–23 nasb

A charm bracelet is a beautiful way to commemorate milestones or special events. Consider your spiritual charm bracelet. If you had a charm to represent your growth in each of the traits from Galatians 5, how many would you feel comfortable attaching to your bracelet in representation of that achievement? Ask your Father which areas in your Christian walk need the most growth. Do you need to develop these traits more strongly before you would feel comfortable donning your bracelet?

Lord, please show me which milestones of Christian living I need to focus on in order to have the full markings of the Holy Spirit in my life. Please help me to grow into the Christian woman You call me to be. Amen.