Keep Your Spirits High

Keep Your Spirits High

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
— Psalm 118:24

Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for the strength to rise each day. Help us to choose joy despite our pain, and may our response to life reflect Your light. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Lynda Randle – One Day At a Time [Live]

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Introduction

Keep your spirits high even when physical struggles weigh you down. This devotion encourages a mindset of gratitude, joy, and faith despite hardship.

This week, I had a R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) lunch with a dear friend. Typically, these lunches involve several men traveling in flocks, but this time it was just the two of us. When he entered with a cane and a thinner frame, I knew something had changed. He shared that chronic neck pain from arthritis had taken a toll on him. After 20 minutes of what we jokingly call an “organ recital,” he asked me something profound: “How do you manage to keep your spirits up despite your disabilities?”

Others may face similar struggles, so here’s what I shared. There’s no magic solution, but some principles do help. Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, reminds us that unlike animals, we humans can choose our response to life’s challenges. That’s why it’s called R E S P O N S A B I L I T Y.

Each day is a gift. I begin by praying over the names on our prayer lists, text chains, and DevotionsDoneDaily.com. Before my feet hit the floor, I give thanks and choose to rejoice. With Christ in my heart, I aim to be a light in someone’s day.

We talked about Job, who lost everything—his health, family, wealth, and friends—but never lost his faith. Eventually, God restored him. That same eternal reward awaits us in Heaven. I believe that God entrusts His strongest warriors with the toughest battles. Why? Because their endurance becomes a powerful witness.

Stay Positive Choose Joy

My journey has included over 30 kidney stones and occasional gout, yet thankfully, I’ve avoided chronic pain. I thank God for that. I also find spiritual strength through reading the Bible, listening to gospel hymns, and writing devotions. These practices help me stay focused and keep my spirits high—plus, they keep me off the streets and out of the bars!

Ten years ago, a stroke left me paralyzed on my left side. I still do six hours of therapy each week just to maintain my ability, use an electric cuff below my knee that triggers my foot with each step helping me “walk.” Also I use a red “hurricane” cane—complete with a horn, headlight, taillight, bell, and cupholder. It’s a conversation starter that draws smiles, traffic stops, and new friends. Yes, I’m still standing—by the grace of God.

Lunch with my friend blessed me deeply. I hope I gave him as much encouragement as he gave me. And to all of you on our prayer list, even if we’ve never met face-to-face: I love you. You are part of my daily blessing.

Let Us Worship In Song

It Is Well With My Soul – SE Samonte

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Call to Action

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Sources

For additional scripture study, visit GotQuestions.org

Acknowledgments

We thank Pixabay for free, high-quality artwork.
lass=”yoast-text-mark” />>We use quotes from AZ Quotes when appropriate.
>We link to worship music from YouTube Gospel Music.