He said I was unremarkable. Actually, "he" is my doctor and it was my physical exam that was unremarkable. But still, while that sounds good in medical terms, it doesn't feel good in my day-to-day living.

I often feel like I'm experiencing too much of the same thing. I wake up at the same time, eat virtually the same breakfast, commute to work, spend eight hours at my desk, then commute home, where I cook dinner, watch a little TV, read or do some Sudoku and go to bed—only to wake up the next day and do the same thing all over again.

I don't necessarily need excitement every day. But how can I find joy in my ordinary, daily living?

Perhaps by looking at my world with fresh eyes—the kind of fresh eyes that see God's hand in my daily life. Fresh eyes that see all that I have been blessed with; I have a family, friends and a job that I love. I have a home and food to eat. David sees God with fresh eyes in Psalm 16:11: "You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever" (GNTD).

Fresh eyes help me see the world God created. Recently, someone challenged me to post nature photos on social media for seven days straight. I wasn't even sure where I would find nature on my commute to the city by public transportation. But I did—as I waited for my train, looked at the wind and rain and ran out for a lunch-time errand.

Fresh eyes also help me open up my heart to the reminders of God's grace and promises in the Bible. I have found for myself that joy does not depend on the circumstances of my daily living, but comes in response to God's presence and provision.

If you long to open your eyes and see your daily life afresh, open your Bible and meditate on God's Word for joy, hope and contentment. These four Bible verses will get you started:

Psalm 118:24 (GNTD)

This is the day of the Lord's victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (GNTD)

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (GNTD)

So I am convinced that we should enjoy ourselves, because the only pleasure we have in this life is eating and drinking and enjoying ourselves. We can at least do this as we labor during the life that God has given us in this world.

Romans 15:13 (GNTD)

May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.