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.
About the Author: Sally McClung is a member of the All Nations International Leadership Team and is co-founder of All Nations. Her husband, Floyd McClung, was a world-renown missions leader. Floyd went to be with Jesus in 2021. He is the author of 16 books, including the best-selling books, “The Father Heart of God” and “Living on the Devil’s Doorstep.”
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