“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

One of the best ways to experience joy is by getting our eyes off ourselves.

We did an exercise at work recently that was downright encouraging. We were sitting at round tables with a sheet of paper in front of each of us. A co-worker’s name was printed at the top.  Our task was to write down one compliment about that person and then pass the paper along.

This exercise went on for 20 minutes as we wrote and passed, wrote and passed. A word, a phrase, a sentence for each person.

When we were finished, every sheet was filled with compliments. The leader then gave each person their sheet.

I read mine and I was instantly uplifted. No matter who you were in that room, no matter what your emotional state was when you walked in, you were feeling better when you left.

Two things happened that morning. Each person received encouragement reading their sheet of compliments, given by those they worked with every day.

I think a more important thing also happened. Each one of us was encouraged by giving compliments. We took our minds off ourselves for 20 minutes!

Self-centeredness can absolutely rob us of joy. We think we’ll be happy by concentrating on our own needs. But the opposite happens.

Dwelling incessantly on personal struggles or being preoccupied with achieving great things lead to the same place. Isolation. And that’s a joy killer for anyone.

Who comes to mind when you think of someone struggling right now?

A neighbor? Co-worker? Family member? A good friend?

Get that one person clearly pictured in your mind and answer these questions:

• What’s their name?
• What’s their struggle?
• How are they feeling right now?
• What is one thing you can do for them to lift them up?

Becoming the answer to that last question is your joy assignment today. It may simply be a phone call. It may be stopping by and praying for them. Or bringing a meal. It may be cleaning their house. Or sending them a card. For a co-worker, inviting them to lunch . . . and listening.

This person needs to know someone cares. They need someone to walk with them. They need encouragement.

Today, make someone’s day. As a result, you’ll be encouraged, too.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (I Peter 4:8-10 ESV)

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).