Discovering Joy in the Daily Grind - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - September 10, 2026

 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT

I put a red checkmark next to the last task on that day’s to-do list. It was 5:42 p.m., and It.had.been.a.day. I leaned back in my cushy, white office chair and let out a long sigh. I had forgotten to thaw the meat for dinner, which meant we’d be eating out for the third time that week. My phone chimed, reminding me of my evening workout. Oh well, I’d have to miss that, since I couldn’t walk away the pounds with Leslie Sansone and be at a restaurant at the same time. I saw one more appointment patiently waiting on my calendar, and immediately regretted the Zoom call I had agreed to hop on at 7:30 with a couple in another country.

As a marriage coach, I get the opportunity to work with all kinds of couples—sad couples, struggling couples, satisfied yet striving for greater couples, and stagnant couples. I love my work, and I love my couples, but sometimes the workload, including carrying the weight of others’ burdens, can weigh down my emotions like a lopsided barbell. 

Then add to that the never-ending work of managing a family, showing up for my friends, and honoring my ministry commitments, and it’s no wonder I had 14 “to-dos” on my list that day. All were important. All required my time and energy. And all had to be done…that day. 

As I leaned back in my office chair, taking deep breaths to still tomorrow’s demands, I suddenly smiled. I asked for this life, and God answered. Whenever my thoughts try to detour onto Anxiety Way, I remind myself that although my life is full (as I’m sure yours is, too), I get to live it. 

Decide What Matters

My mentor once told me, “If everything matters, nothing matters.” In essence, everything (or everyone) can’t hold the same priority in your day. Something’s got to give. I live a scheduled life. Nothing brings me greater joy than an organized calendar! If my day is ordered properly, my life will be, too. This doesn’t mean everything always goes according to plan (Exhibit A: paragraph one), but it sure helps to have a roadmap for what the day will hold. 

There will always be opportunities, conversations, coffee dates, and other events that vie for your attention. Your goal is to decide what really matters for that day. Do you really need to spend an hour shopping on Amazon for another gadget, or can that wait until Saturday?

Just a moment while I close the Amazon tab on my laptop… 

Now, back to what matters… joy matters. Joy is not dependent on circumstances but is, rather, a state of being. You can choose joy even when life feels like a grind, and your to-do list feels more like a to-don’t list. You can decide to order your thoughts on God, His peace, and His joy. This, the apostle Paul says, is “the will of God” for all who are in Christ.

Plan But Yield Control 

There is a difference between having a plan and having control. We serve a God of order (just think of how He ordered creation). God isn’t against you planning your day or even your life, as long as you don’t plan without Him. 

Practically, this looks like praying at the start of each day (see 4 Steps to Prepare Your Heart for the Demands of a New Day). Invite the Lord into your schedule. Ask Him to guide your priorities. And then be ready and willing if He shifts, moves, or even deletes items from your list. 

I often refer to the Holy Spirit as a divine GPS. When going on a road trip, we enter the destination, and most of us leave the GPS on and active for the duration of the trip, even if we “know” where we’re going. What if there’s unexpected traffic? A detour? Or a slightly quicker route available? We want to know that, so we allow the GPS to guide us along the journey, yielding “our way” to the “best” way.

This is what it’s like following God’s lead. We plan our steps, yes, but we give Him control of the destination.

Stay Grateful

I was talking today to a young woman I mentor who’s at a crossroads in her life. She’s facing some important decisions and hearing the echoes of fear and anxiety behind every choice she needs to make. I read Philippians 4:6-7 to her, emphasizing “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” 

God wants us to ask for His help. We need his wisdom and guidance. We must also remember to stay grateful and thank Him for what he’s already done. This is how we, quite literally, discover joy in the daily grind. When you feel tempted to complain or compare, choose gratitude instead. Thank God for the job that’s often stressful, the kids that keep you on your knees in prayer, or the difficult relationship that keeps you humble. Gratitude is the gateway to joy.

Again, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to “Be thankful in all circumstances.” This means in everything we do. Living a life of gratitude eases the tension and toil of the grind. 

I have a sign in my office that reads, I still remember when I prayed for the things I have now. Whenever I’m tempted to let overwhelm take the wheel, I look at that sign and thank God for all He’s done. He’s been so good. Remember, gratitude is the gateway to joy. As we recall God’s faithfulness, our hearts settle into joy…the deep abiding joy that becomes our strength (see Nehemiah 8:10).

Let's pray ...

Lord,
Thank you for your joy that keeps us centered on Your will. Help us remember to give you thanks for the life we get to live in our daily tasks. Let our work and our attitudes honor you.
In Jesus’s name,
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Fernando Brasil

Dana Che is a speaker, marriage coach, and the host of the Rebuilding US podcast, where she helps people uncomplicate relationships and build deeper connections. She also serves as a Teaching Pastor at a multi-site, multi-ethnic church in Virginia Beach, VA. Dana is known for her graceful candor, humor, and encouraging commitment to the truth. Dana holds a B.A. in communication from Regent University and is a seminary student at Fuller Theological Seminary. She has a fierce passion for fashion and loves all things beachy. She shares her life with Shaun, her childhood sweetheart and husband of twenty-seven years, and their four amazing children in beautiful Virginia Beach, VA. Connect with her on social media @mrsdanache and find helpful relationship resources on her website danache.com.

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Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!