5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Have Joy One Day at a Time
I want to live one day at a time! Really, I do!
Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.” Matthew 6:34
He also said, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11
I want that too! The overflowing joy of remaining in the love of Jesus.
But life distracts and details discourage and my joy heads south as my heart and mind fill with the regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow.
So, I’m going to the Lord in prayer and thought you might want to join me…
5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Have Joy
One Day at a Time
Psalm 32:5
I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Father, thank you! I have confessed and repented and You have forgiven me. My sin is gone and by Your grace, my guilt and regret can be gone too. I know I may have to live through some difficult things because of my failures but I trust that You will be with me and give me everything I need to live joyfully knowing I am redeemed and forgiven. All because of Jesus. Thanks and praise forever. Amen.
Psalm 103:11–13
For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
Father, You love me! You really love me. So much that through Jesus I am washed clean. My sins are completely gone. Your forgiveness is complete. I am Your child and I can rest in Your tender, compassionate embrace. Whatever today brings … You hold me close. That alone is a reason to celebrate with joy! Thank you, Father. Amen.
Philippians 4:6–7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Father, You tell me to bring every worry and trouble to You. You want me to tell you what I need because You care for me. Because You love me. You also invite me to thank you for past blessings. And as I remember with gratitude all You’ve carried me through … You fill me with that hard to understand peace; You fill my heart and mind with confident faith, knowing You are able to carry me through whatever tomorrow brings. I have You to help me face today and You are all I need. Amen.
Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show you which path to take.
Father, I surrender my heart, my mind, my life … my all to you today. Please guide me and show me the path You have prepared for me. By the power of Your Spirit, please help me focus on You when life tries to distract me. When guilt and regret taunt me and worries tempt me, call me back to Your Word of truth. Lead me. Fill me with Your Spirit. Show me Your will. I will seek to know Your will and by the power and with the help of Your Holy Spirit — I will follow where You lead. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Revelation 22:13
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End.”
Jesus, You are the Beginning and the End, the Word Made Flesh, the Author and Perfector of my faith, my Redeemer, my Good Shepherd, the Kind of kings, my Hope for the future, my Defender … You are the Great I AM, and Lord of all. You are my Lord and Savior.
Because You know the end from the beginning I can have peace when I think about the future. Nothing in my life comes as a surprise to You. You are with me, always. (Matthew 28:20) Your Spirit never leaves me. (John 14:16) You give me joy. (John 15:11) Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
It’s not easy to have joy one day at a time!
We’re busy and everything from stacked up little annoyances to great big joy-busting problems are trying to pull our attention in a million different directions.
It’s crazy how quickly I can obsess over something that happened yesterday and find myself anxious about something that may or may not happen tomorrow.
And the truth is … that ain’t no way to live!
Regret, guilt, worry, and anxiety are all tools the enemy uses to keep you and me from living with joy.
But God… (Oh, how I love those two words.)
But God is willing and able to give us everything we need to live today in His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Everything we need to live with joy one day at a time!
So, just for today, I will prayerfully carry these words in my heart…
This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:25
Without a doubt … that is the way to live!
Yes, I want to live one day at a time. But it is sooooooo hard. Today I attempted to slow down and I was amazed at what my eyes took in. I saw beautiful purple flowers all around our neighborhood.
I am going to hold the verse you gave us close to my heart as I try to live moment to moment tomorrow.
Blessings, Maree
It is hard, isn’t it, Maree?! So many distractions in the world and the ones in my head are even worse. Only with God’s help as I hold His promises close, can I even begin to live with joy one day at a time. But oh my, that is my hope and my prayer and I believe it is His desire for me. You’re right, that’s when I’m able to see the beauty all around me!
One day at a time sweet Jesus for that’s all He asks of me! We are only ever given one day, yesterday has gone, tomorrow may not come, so today is the day!
Jennifer
Amen, Jennifer! Amen!
Oh, Deb, I love these prayers! THAT’S the way to live. Thank you!
Thank you, Alyson! Blessings!
One day, one tiny step at a time. I know that is the way it’s supposed to be, but I often find myself wanting to run ahead or walk backwards dwelling on things that happened or might or might not. These verses are great reminders to live one day – one step at a time. God’s got it all under control. Thanks for the linkup Deb
Me too, Debbie! I need His Spirit’s help me remember and His mercy and grace when I forget. Thanks so much for joining the party! Blessings!
My dear friend, you are a lovely concordance of all things we need as women, as bloggers, as followers of Jesus. May you be encouraged today in all your endeavors. xx
Oh, Sue, I believe that is one of the kindest and most encouraging things anyone has ever said to me. Thank you! I’m very humbled. I so love being able to bless others with the precious things God has taught me. Thanks for being one of the wonderful blessings God has brought into my life. Hugs!
So needed this inspiration today, Deb. With taking care of my mom indefinitely here in Oxford, I have so much on my plate. Prayers are so appreciated!
Blessings!
You’ve got my prayers, Martha! Asking God to surround you with His loving presence and fill you with His peace and joy! Thank you, my friend! God bless you!
Love these verses Deb. My favorite is trust in the Lord out is this list. I started singing the song that I sing with my kids in my head. It brings so much peace just repeating it.
I agree, Brittany! Just reminding ourselves that the Lord is trustworthy and praising Him for who He is, gives joy and peace! Blessings and hugs!
Love it! Thanks for sharing these verses.
If you’re ever looking to guest post, check out dailyps.com. No pressure, I just enjoyed your writing.
Thanks for sharing and keep making a difference! 🙂
Thank you, Alex! I so appreciate your kindness. I’m heading over to check out your site. And I would say to you as well, “Keep shining His light!” You are touching lives! God bless you!