JoyFull: 365 Daily Devotions for Women

By Lydia McLaughlin

Lead a life of joy.

 


Our culture encourages instant gratification, promoting must-have brands, conveniences, and luxuries, but dissatisfaction often results. True, lasting contentment cannot be found in worldly things. Jesus wants our hearts to overflow with joy, and he offers it freely.


              Join Lydia McLaughlin in JoyFull as she shares the power of God's Word, teaching you how to apply it and live joyfully—just as God intends. Each daily devotion includes:

- inspiring Scripture,
- a short reading on the day's theme,
- a thought-provoking question or challenge, and
- an uplifting prayer. 


Start each day with a fresh promise of hope and embrace the abundant, joy-filled life that God designed for you!


 

• Language: English
• Publisher: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Release date: Apr 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781424564743

Book preview

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

JoyFull: 365 Daily Devotions for Women

Copyright © 2023 Lydia McLaughlin

9781424564736 (faux leather)

9781424564743 (ebook)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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 TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com. 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 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, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 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, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible. Copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLV are taken from the New Life Version. Copyright © 1969 and 2003. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.

Cover and interior by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com

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This devotional is dedicated to you, sweet sister. I am praying for you. As you seek God through his Word and spend time in it, I am confident that your mind will transform to his will for your life. God is so good and faithful.

Contents

January

January 1: Alive and Active

January 2: The Wilderness

January 3: Plans

January 4: Satisfy My Soul

January 5: Powerful Spirit

January 6: Strong Hearts

January 7: Prayer

January 8: Blessings

January 9: Freedom

January 10: Pride

January 11: Worship

January 12: Quality Time

January 13: Prepared

January 14: Obedience

January 15: Dream and Imagine

January 16: Passionate Faith

January 17: Ambassadors of Heaven

January 18: Hope of Glory

January 19: Christ in Us

January 20: Peace

January 21: Just the Right Time

January 22: Heavenly Perspective

January 23: Godly Life

January 24: Stand Firm

January 25: Growing Pains

January 26: Bloom Where You’re Planted

January 27: Precious as Gold

January 28: Suffering

January 29: Wonderfully Made

January 30: Life Reflects the Heart

January 31: To the Full

February

February 1: Beautiful Words

February 2: New Creation

February 3: Bless My Enemies

February 4: Spiritual Battle

February 5: Truth and Wisdom

February 6: Gentleness

February 7: Healthy Friendship

February 8: Transformation

February 9: Gratitude

February 10: Love at All Times

February 11: Rejoice

February 12: True Beauty

February 13: Kingdom Focused

February 14: Tough Conversations

February 15: Perfect Timing

February 16: Spirit within Us

February 17: Encouragement

February 18: Talents and Passions

February 19: Praise Him

February 20: You Harvest What You Plant

February 21: He Takes Care of Us

February 22: A Servant’s Heart

February 23: Life-Giving Promises

February 24: The Power of Love

February 25: Guilt versus Shame

February 26: Bless Me, Lord

February 27: Set Free

February 28: What Lies Ahead

February 29: The Devil’s Lie

March

March 1: People of Passion

March 2: Temple of God

March 3: Glory of God

March 4: Boundaries

March 5: Seasons of Faith

March 6: Bright Future

March 7: Spiritual Fight

March 8: Strong and Courageous

March 9: Sweet Friends

March 10: Desert Plans

March 11: Unchanging God

March 12: Humble Yourself

March 13: Steadfast Love

March 14: Dangerous Mindsets

March 15: Joy of Salvation

March 16: Never Abandoned

March 17: Truly

March 18: Called to Freedom

March 19: Champion-Deliverer

March 20: Power, Love, and Self-Control

March 21: Done in Love

March 22: Quieted by His Love

March 23: No Fear

March 24: Children

March 25: Strength and Gentleness

March 26: Prepare for Action

March 27: The Truth

March 28: Receive Power

March 29: Love and Consideration

March 30: Find Rest

March 31: In All Situations

April

April 1: Cast Your Anxiety

April 2: The Lord Is Close

April 3: Let It Go

April 4: Love More, Judge Less

April 5: Abba

April 6: The Way

April 7: He Understands

April 8: Forgiveness

April 9: Raised from the Dead

April 10: Heavy Hearts

April 11: Unforgiveness

April 12: Watch in Hope

April 13: Fruit of the Spirit

April 14: Overflowing Hope

April 15: A Pure Heart

April 16: Patience

April 17: Kindness

April 18: Good and Faithful Servant

April 19: God’s Handiwork

April 20: Royal Priesthood

April 21: Trustworthy

April 22: God’s Kindness

April 23: Faithfulness

April 24: Delight in the Lord

April 25: Crown of Righteousness

April 26: Heavenly Realms

April 27: Follow His Steps

April 28: Lady in Waiting

April 29: Boldness

April 30: I AM

May

May 1: All Things

May 2: Of the World

May 3: In Christ

May 4: Omniscient

May 5: Transferred

May 6: Capable

May 7: Saving Grace

May 8: Discipline

May 9: Surrender

May 10: Omnipresent

May 11: Fight for You

May 12: Emotions

May 13: Difference-Maker

May 14: He Prepares Us

May 15: Confidence

May 16: Little Things

May 17: Rejection

May 18: Lydia

May 19: Omnipotent

May 20: Blameless

May 21: Never Forsake Us

May 22: Come Forth as Gold

May 23: Occupied with the Word

May 24: He Looks at the Heart

May 25: Made Alive

May 26: Overcome the World

May 27: Intended for Good

May 28: His Holy Name

May 29: Completion

May 30: Anxious about Nothing

May 31: Intercede

June

June 1: Our Helper

June 2: Grace of God

June 3: Straight Paths

June 4: Yoked

June 5: Righteous

June 6: Faith

June 7: Patiently Waiting

June 8: He Strengthens Us

June 9: Prayer

June 10: Fear the Lord

June 11: Move Mountains

June 12: Unaware

June 13: Love, Love, Love

June 14: Faith from Hearing

June 15: Contentment

June 16: Break the Chains

June 17: Only Son

June 18: Taste and See

June 19: Wherever You Go

June 20: In Your Heart

June 21: Pure in Heart

June 22: God Is Greater

June 23: Run with Endurance

June 24: Builders

June 25: Fan into Flame

June 26: At God’s Command

June 27: Shielded and Protected

June 28: Lioness

June 29: Every Single Moment

June 30: Something New

July

July 1: Hold Fast

July 2: Demolish Strongholds

July 3: Rest

July 4: Trust

July 5: The Lord’s Purpose

July 6: Blessed Is She

July 7: Everything New

July 8: Shine Your Light

July 9: Be Agreed

July 10: Be Kind

July 11: Walk with Integrity

July 12: His Peace

July 13: Guaranteed Blessing

July 14: His Voice

July 15: Live in Freedom

July 16: Thirsty

July 17: Escape Worry

July 18: A Sword

July 19: God Declares

July 20: Words

July 21: Facts

July 22: Pray

July 23: Allied with Jesus

July 24: Heavenly Counselor

July 25: Ransomed

July 26: God Will Provide

July 27: Choose Jesus

July 28: Be Still

July 29: No Excuses

July 30: Potter and Clay

July 31: You Will Not Stumble

August

August 1: Chosen People

August 2: On the Throne

August 3: But God

August 4: Nothing Too Hard

August 5: Prayer Warriors

August 6: Wisdom

August 7: Justified and Glorified

August 8: Judge Correctly

August 9: Clutter

August 10: Peace and Prayer

August 11: Kingdom of God

August 12: By Faith

August 13: Yesterday, Today, and Forever

August 14: He Will Do It

August 15: Mysterious

August 16: Dreams

August 17: Fix Your Gaze

August 18: Such a Time as This

August 19: Higher Calling

August 20: Spiritual Maturity

August 21: Crossroads

August 22: Tempted in Every Way

August 23: Joy of His Presence

August 24: Arise and Shine

August 25: Worth

August 26: Walk in Truth

August 27: Talents versus Gifts

August 28: Perfume

August 29: Dark Times

August 30: Light and Joy

August 31: Think Strong, Be Strong

September

September 1: One Bold Step

September 2: Our Shepherd

September 3: Obey

September 4: Storms

September 5: Slow to Anger

September 6: Love One Another

September 7: He Cares

September 8: Things Above

September 9: Inner Thoughts

September 10: Die to Ourselves

September 11: Exploits

September 12: Raised and Seated

September 13: Appearances

September 14: Found

September 15: Believe God

September 16: Wait upon the Lord

September 17: Small Beginnings

September 18: Safety in the Lord

September 19: Return with Joy

September 20: Our Advocate

September 21: Marked with a Seal

September 22: Heavenly Citizenship

September 23: Here and There

September 24: Walls of Protection

September 25: Mere Mortals

September 26: Hall of Faith

September 27: Bridegroom

September 28: Bring Honor

September 29: Written in Heaven

September 30: Divine Encounters

October

October 1: Whatever You Have

October 2: God Waits for You

October 3: The Lord Laughs

October 4: Powerless Turned Powerful

October 5: It Is Day

October 6: Unshakable Hope

October 7: Prisoner of the Lord

October 8: Talking Donkey

October 9: Spirit of Power

October 10: Encourage

October 11: Wisdom and Kindness

October 12: Soft Answer

October 13: Multiplied

October 14: Refiner’s Fire

October 15: Strength and Dignity

October 16: Seek God

October 17: Christ in Me

October 18: Live Freely

October 19: A Chosen Generation

October 20: Altogether Beautiful

October 21: Let Another

October 22: Hovering

October 23: Christ Is All

October 24: Hope and Encouragement

October 25: Close Watch

October 26: Devote Yourself

October 27: Scripture

October 28: Take Up Your Cross

October 29: The Lord’s Hand

October 30: Grow Strong

October 31: Ask and Believe

November

November 1: Cleansed

November 2: More Love

November 3: Focus

November 4: Unceasing

November 5: Pray and Persist

November 6: Our Inheritance

November 7: See God

November 8: Fresh Authority

November 9: Promised Land

November 10: Living as Jesus Did

November 11: Angels

November 12: Matters of the Heart

November 13: After God’s Heart

November 14: Everything in It

November 15: Glory to Glory

November 16: Favor of God

November 17: Men and Women

November 18: Tithe and Offering

November 19: Enthroned

November 20: What Is Good?

November 21: Anointed

November 22: Give Thanks

November 23: The Lord’s Servant

November 24: Fight the Good Fight

November 25: One Thing

November 26: Repentance

November 27: Firstfruits

November 28: Real People, Real Issues

November 29: Our Hearts

November 30: Life and Peace

December

December 1: Living Sacrifice

December 2: Testimony

December 3: Messiah

December 4: Shaped by God

December 5: Sons of Thunder

December 6: Fasting

December 7: Fresh Manna

December 8: Stay with God

December 9: Pouring of His Spirit

December 10: God’s Family

December 11: Abundant Faith

December 12: What We Do

December 13: Seal of Ownership

December 14: Halted Plans

December 15: Eternal Life

December 16: God’s Glory

December 17: Children of God

December 18: In Jesus

December 19: Those Who Dream

December 20: Be Watchful

December 21: Honor

December 22: A Cheerful Heart

December 23: A Good Word

December 24: Overjoyed

December 25: With Us

December 26: Helping Those in Need

December 27: Salvation

December 28: Unshakable Joy

December 29: A Hard Worker

December 30: Open Door

December 31: Run Your Race

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Introduction

God often speaks to us through the power of his Word, which is alive and active. It can pierce our souls and speak to our spirits.

I’ve prayed for Jesus’ words to fill the pages of this devotional, and I pray that it leads you closer to him. I pray that it unleashes his power in your heart, ushering you into the throne room of Christ, where we stand in awe at our maker’s presence.

I pray that this devotional inspires new habits in us, encouraging us every morning to reach for God’s Word first instead of our phones or cups of coffee. Lastly, I pray that our pursuit of his Spirit allows us to experience freedom as we witness his truths become realities. Amen.

January

JANUARY 1

Alive and Active

The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

HEBREWS 4:12 NIV

Since we are starting a new year together and reading God’s Word, I want to begin by acknowledging the power we have at our fingertips when we read the Bible. God’s Word is alive and active! Do you believe that?

When we say that God’s Word is alive and active, it means that the Bible can speak to us in different ways depending on what we’re going through in life. If you are in a time of waiting, then the verses on patience will stick out to you. If you are in a season of uncertainty, God’s faithfulness will give you hope. We can be in God’s Word during any time of life because it always has fresh, new teachings to inspire us.

Reflect

How much time are you spending in God’s Word? Do you listen to God’s voice in your life?

Jesus, I thank you for the power of your Word. I thank you for meeting me wherever I am and for always pursuing and loving me. Amen.

JANUARY 2

The Wilderness

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

ISAIAH 43:18–19 NIV

God is doing a new thing in you. This is his promise. He declares that he will make streams come forth in the wastelands. He has made you with your gifts and talents for such a time as this, and he is making a way for you to use them.

He has a plan for you, and he looks for followers who will be obedient and bold. Don’t give up. Be faithful and passionate. The hopes and dreams that you carry are inside of you for a reason. Pursue what you were made for, sweet sister!

Reflect

Look up today’s verses in other translations. Consider what the promises and declarations mean for your life.

Lord, you are faithful. I trust you with my life. I place my hopes and dreams at your feet. Lead me according to your will and your way. Amen.

JANUARY 3

Plans

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

JEREMIAH 29:11 NIV

In less than a week, God created all that exists, and the Bible is full of prophecies that God fulfilled through Jesus thousands of years later. This is all to say that God knows what he is doing. He promises us in our verse today that he plans for us to prosper and enjoy a future full of hope. He is in control, and we can trust him.

We have the freedom to make plans as well. The anointing on our lives happens when we align our plans with the Lord’s. We tend to confine our dreams to boxes of security and comfort. That is, we want God to move as long as the risks to us are minimal. But God’s plan falls outside of those neat, comfortable boxes. It’s time to step into God’s plan!

Reflect

Ask God to reveal the next step of his plan for you.

Your will, your way, Lord. I desire your plan for my life over my own. Amen.

JANUARY 4

Satisfy My Soul

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

JOHN 10:10 NLT

Jesus says that he has come to give us a rich and satisfying life. He obviously wasn’t saying that he came to fill our homes and garages with a bunch of material things or to busy our calendars with activities. He is saying that he came so that we can have a rich life—a life full of love, joy, and grace. Peace. Adventure.

What satisfies your soul? Dream big and pursue your heart’s desires with faith, but also remember that a life like this often won’t receive the loudest applause. Jesus offers us a satisfying life, not an easy one.

Reflect

Create a list of things that satisfy your soul.

Lord, thank you for creating me. Thank you for my passions and talents. I submit my life to you, Lord. Amen.

JANUARY 5

Powerful Spirit

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

ROMANS 8:11 NLT

Romans 8:11 is perhaps one of my favorite promises in the Bible. It promises the most amazing phenomenon: the Spirit of God lives in you. The same Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us. Can I get an amen?

If we live out of this truth each day, then our days will look a lot different. Our minds will be set free, and our joy will overflow. The ways that we go about our conversations and tasks will take on new meaning. We must tap into the Spirit inside of us. That is where we claim a life of freedom.

Reflect

Embrace the power of the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you.

Jesus, I praise and thank you for your Holy Spirit living within me. I pray that it will consume me, Lord. More of you and less of me. Amen.

JANUARY 6

Strong Hearts

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 CHRONICLES 16:9 NLT

Today’s verse is powerful. Imagine God’s eyes searching the world, examining the hearts of his people. Paint it in your mind: God’s eyes running through the scenes of our lives. He wants his followers to represent him and to be the salt of the world. I desire for my heart to be fully committed to him so that he will pour out his strength on to me.

We are all wonderfully made, and each of us is unique. Maybe you need some of God’s strength today. Perhaps you need purpose or direction. Whatever is going on in your life, God sees it. His eyes are on your heart, and he is ready to pour out his strength on to you.

Reflect

Our hearts need to be fully committed to Jesus. In what areas are you holding back from God?

Lord, thank you for pouring out your strength onto my life. You are so good, and I long to serve and be used by you. It is a deep honor and my heart’s desire. Amen.

JANUARY 7

Prayer

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

JEREMIAH 17:9 NIV

We do not have to be taught how to be bad because it is innately within each of us. It’s difficult for us to admit our shortcomings or even to recognize the ways that our hearts sometimes steer us in the wrong direction. During prayer time, however, we have a beautiful opportunity to examine ourselves and bring any and all of our shortcomings to the Lord. We can acknowledge our wrongdoings with him and move on.

While you pray, perhaps God will bring to mind a conversation or a friendship that you had not yet realized you handled poorly. Prayer is the perfect time to bring all of your concerns to God.

Reflect

Examine your heart during your prayer time today and ask for forgiveness in any area that needs it.

Lord, I thank you for loving me and always lighting my path. We pray you make me aware of the many ways that I can do better for your glory. Amen.

JANUARY 8

Blessings

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request.

1 CHRONICLES 4:10 NIV

Jabez asks God to bless him in our verse for the day. It’s good to ask God for our heart’s desires. We want God to bestow upon us the blessings that he designed for us. Jabez asked for God to enlarge his territory, keep him from harm, bless him, and free him from pain.

What are your hopes and dreams? Have you submitted them to Jesus and laid them at God’s throne?

Reflect

Spend time with Jesus today. Make your heart’s desire known to him and ask him to bless you.

Lord, thank you for my passions, talents, and gifts. You have already blessed me so much with this beautiful life. I pray you would bless me with the desires in my heart. If they are not your will, then I pray you would direct my path for the plan you have for my life. I submit