Spark of Joy - How to Refresh the Soul

Spark of Joy - How to Refresh the Soul

 (This is a short excerpt from my upcoming book, Inhale, Breath for the Soul. The book is a guide to learn what diminishes our joy and how we can instead, find the delight God intended.)

“Anyone can fight the battles of just one day.

It is only when you and I add the battles of those two awful eternities, yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down.”

Richard Walker

There is a current trend crossing the nation to declutter our homes by choosing which of our possessions spark joy. I’ve done some serious cleaning-out of drawers and closets and feel less encumbered by so much stuff. It’s an incredible concept and extremely healthy for the consumer in all of us.

It made me wonder if there was a parallel to the spiritual side of life. What clutter do we hold in our heart that weighs us down needlessly? The depiction awful eternities in the quote above resonates because we easily carry regrets from yesterday and worries about tomorrow. The well-known quote by Euripides comes to mind, “Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.”

As I work to grow soul health, I need to focus primarily on what is in front of me, today. Jesus told his followers, “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to their life?” (Matthew 6:26-27)

Hanging onto anguish for missteps in the past or wringing our hands in angst about what may or may not happen tomorrow only overburdens us and never brings about a solution. Worry never adds any positive aspect to our life, but only diminishes joy. Remember, our aim is to spark joy, not throw cold water on it.

It’s up to us to focus our mind on areas which will help us find joy, help us grow and flourish. Here are some questions to help lead our thoughts to this place of peace:

·         What uplifts your heart? List three things and do at least one of them today.

·         Write the name of someone who brings a twinkle to your eye or a smile to your lips. How can you reach out to them today?

·         Ask yourself, “What does my soul crave? What does it need?” 

·         What could you do right now to make God smile?

Take time to write out your answers. Here’s a secret: these answers are a helpful guide for bringing delight to your day. Share some of your answers in the comments section below.

Go ahead and spark some joy in your soul.