Joy is My Fuel

While some of you in the northern hemisphere are sweltering in the heat, we're in the middle of a big cold front here in South Africa.  We've had lots of rain and cold weather.  I'm working at staying warm!

When I shared in my last update about being grateful to still be alive 11 years after my cancer diagnosis, I received lots of responses.  One person from Australia sent a quote - "joy to a human is like fuel to a car."  He said that perhaps my joy helps me be a miracle in surviving ovarian cancer.  That was encouraging to me - and it caused me to ponder what he said.  I think there's a great truth there.

Joy is an incredible gift to us!  Nehemiah 8:10 says "the joy of the Lord is your strength."  It's one of the verses I pray every morning before I get out of bed.  I ask for the joy of the Lord.  I know I need it to have strength for my day.

I've found that one of the ways to have joy is to give thanks for everything.  "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you."  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  As I give thanks for things through my day - it helps joy to build in my heart - which gives me strength!

If I don't feel good.  If I wish we didn't have so much rain.  If I'm trying to keep warm in the cold weather.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed with all I need to do.  Whatever I'm facing......I can still thank the Lord for His goodness, grace, and mercy.  It brightens my day as I do that.  The joy that comes through thankfulness helps with whatever we are facing!

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

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4''

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

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  Psalm 94:19

"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High."  Psalm 9:2

A simple "thank you Jesus" brings joy to my day!  His joy is a sustaining life-line.  I'm so grateful for the joy the Lord brings.