The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

The Bible tells us that "the joy of the Lord is our strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)  It's a gift - and a promise.  When we go through hard days, difficult times it's so important to look for the joy in that day.  It's easy to just look at the hard things and miss the joy that's right in front of us.

An example for me - I'm not fond of rain, but I know we need it!  Our days are getting shorter, so I know winter is coming soon.  On the dark, gray, rainy days if I stop and thank the Lord for the rain - it changes my perspective.  I remind myself that there are places that need rain, and we are being blessed with it.  With enough rain, our dams/reservoirs will be full and we won't face drought!  My heart changes to gratitude, and I can find joy in God blessing us with the rain.  It's a simple thing, but it can change so much in our heart.

I begin to look for other things that bring joy as I go through the day.  As I'm grateful, I begin to see many things that are blessings.  A dreary day becomes a joyful one as I focus my attention this way.  Honestly, it's how I get through the cold, rainy, winter months!!  I anticipate the joyful things God will bring into my day!

At the end of the day I can look back at the joy He brought my way - and thank Him for the strength that came through that joy!!  It was God's blessing to me.

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

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near."  Philippians 4:4,5

"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."  Acts 2:28

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The simplest way to find joy is to give thanks in whatever situation we're in.  Joy grows in our hearts as we do that.  If you're struggling, take time to sit in His presence and ask for His joy to fill your heart.  It's a prayer He loves to answer.  And He is faithful!

Hope for Each New Day

During the last four weeks I have been dealing with urgent house repairs.  One repair exposed another that needed work, and another, and another.  It ended up being very intense and stressful for me.  I constantly needed to answer questions and make sure things were being done the right way.  I pushed my way through it, and was exhausted by the time it was all done.  

There are many times that I miss Floyd, and this was certainly one of them.  Every day I pressed into the Lord and asked for His help, grace, wisdom, and strength.  He met me!  I'm still thanking Him for getting me through everything.

After those intense, stressful weeks a friend sent me a verse that is familiar to me and such an awesome promise, "As your days, so shall your strength be."  Deuteronomy 33:25  What a wonderful promise to hang onto in difficult times.  God knows what each day holds for us - and He'll give us enough strength for that day.  Thank you Lord!

As I thought about this verse I realised that in the midst of the difficult days, there was a constant under lying peace and even joy.  I think I didn't even realize it so much at the time, but in looking back it's so clear.  At the end of each day I was so tired I could hardly eat dinner and then go right to bed.  But my heart was at peace - and there was joy in the process because of God's presence with me.  I am sure that is a big part of what carried me through.

The best way to find that joy is to thank the Lord all through the day as He helps me.  With each decision - thank Him for giving me wisdom.  With each new problem - thank Him in advance for helping me.

Yesterday morning I woke up to 3 problems.  It was overwhelming and discouraging.  I wasn't sure how to deal with them......so I started talking to the Lord.  I thanked Him for answers in advance.  I spoke out my trust in His faithfulness.  I asked Him to guide me.  And before the end of the day - all 3 problems were solved.  It's not empty words when I say I can't make it on my own.  It's the truth of what I'm facing in my life and God is so good to me.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."  Psalm 143:8

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure."  Proverbs 16:9

"A man's steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand his own way?"  Proverbs 20:24

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

Knowing He goes before me, I can sleep in peace and awaken with hope for each new day.  How good the Lord is.