May 24 - Joy Is God's Desire

Misery is often self-made. This episode is Mike, Corey, and Cristi asking the old Methodist question — how is it with your soul? — and actually answering it.

Misery is often self-made. When I cling to old patterns, pride, or control, I create the very weight I carry. God's desire is not to burden me, but to lead me into life.

Corey takes three minutes to say his soul is good — which Mike clocks out loud. The longer answer involves trusting God not just with himself but with his family, and what it felt like when prison was the plan. Cristi's answer is shorter: she has two young Black sons, the world is what it is, she prays for them every night and truly lets it go. She has done her part as their mother. The rest is in God's hands. It is well with her soul. She hasn't always been able to say that.

From there: John 10:10, Big Book page 133 — we made our own misery, God didn't do it, avoid the deliberate manufacture of misery, but if trouble comes cheerfully capitalize it as an opportunity to demonstrate His omnipotence — and the serenity prayer, which Cristi quotes correctly and completely without being prompted.

Corey lands the episode's best moment with the Lowe's parking lot story. He and his significant other were deep in it. He was ready to sleep in the car. Sponsor said, did you grab your books for morning meditation? He had to go back inside. Next day he called wanting to rehash the whole thing. His sponsor said we already talked about this. Cristi names it without hesitating: you want that misery to be validated.

Closing thought from Cristi: joy comes from the inside out, not the outside in.

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Daily Ripples is a daily devotional reflection connecting recovery principles with the life of faith. New episodes every day at dailyripples.com.