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!
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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