Finding Joy in the In-Between
Living aligned with God means releasing the need for universal approval. Faithfulness may cost acceptance, but it always leads to deeper, lasting peace.
Friday, January 23, 2026
Joy is the serious business of heaven.
— C.S. Lewis
TODAY’S OBJECTIVES
Daily Vitamin: Joy is in the in-between.
Inspirational Story: God shows up in the ordinary.
Verse of the Day: Song of Solomon 2:4
DAILY VITAMIN
Joy is in the in-between.
Joy is not waiting at the finish line. It is already present in the moments you slow down enough to notice.
Pray for awareness of God’s presence today.
Write down three small blessings from today.
Speak one word of thanks out loud.
INSPIRATIONAL STORY
Finding Joy in the In-Between
You wake up and reach for your phone before your feet hit the floor.
Notifications. Headlines. Tasks waiting…
The day already feels loud.
But somewhere between the coffee brewing and the light coming through the window, there is a small moment you almost miss:
The quiet hum of the house.
The warmth of the mug in your hands.
The fact that you are here. Breathing. Held.
Most days, we rush past that moment.
We tell ourselves we will slow down later, when life feels easier, when the big goals are reached, when the pressure lifts.
But later rarely comes.
The small moments are where life actually happens.
I have learned this the hard way.
As a husband, a father, and a leader, my mind is often on what is next: the next decision, the next problem to solve, the next mountain to climb.
That kind of focus builds things. It moves vision forward. But it can also steal joy if you are not careful.
Joy does not live in the finish line; it lives in the in-between.
It shows up when the phone stays face down.
When a conversation is not rushed.
When you linger instead of moving on too quickly.
It looks like listening fully.
Laughing without checking the time.
Letting a simple moment register.
Scripture reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:183).
Gratitude sharpens awareness. It trains the heart to recognize what is good right now.
Not someday or when everything feels resolved. Right here.
God often meets us in the small and steady.
He is present in quiet faithfulness.
In daily provision.
In moments that seem unremarkable until they are gone.
When you begin to notice these moments, something shifts.
Life feels fuller. Joy feels closer.
Not louder or grander. Just more real.
Joy grows where gratitude is practiced.
It is a choice to be present.
A willingness to let ordinary moments matter.
It is not about shrinking your vision or lowering your hopes.
It is about grounding them. Big dreams need small joys to sustain them.
If you do not learn to delight in what God is doing now, you will always feel like something is missing.
So today, notice one small thing.
Let it be enough for this moment.
Because one day, you will look back and realize it was never small at all.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
“He has brought me to his banqueting table, and his banner over me is love.” (Song of Solomon 2:4)
Devotion: God’s love is like a banner over us, a declaration of His commitment and delight in us. Knowing we are loved by God brings security and joy.
Action: The closest route to the heart is through the stomach. Bring someone a snack or meal today.
Download January's Calendar
WATCH THE BIBLE COME TO LIFE
WOULD YOU TRUST GOD LIKE THIS...? | GENESIS 24
What does it look like when God brings the right person at the right time?
This is Episode 18 of Bible in a Year with Jack Graham, inspired by Genesis 24. 📖
Through this episode, we are reminded that God is not only faithful in big promises, but He is also faithful in the small steps that bring those promises to life. Hit the image or the link below to watch now! 👇🏽
Watch Now
In Jesus name Amen 🙏❤️