"...for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
JOY: glee, gladness, mirth, pleasure...
I had a friend point this out to me the other day, and it has stuck with me. So now, I tell it to you. It is very basic, and I am sure this has been pointed out to me before; but it has had a profound effect on the way I thought and prayed this past week. (thank you, Cathy)
When I need strength to get through the day, what I really need is God's joy in my heart. I must take note of what has pushed that joy to the side and taken root in its stead. I must allow God to purge it from the soil that is my heart and allow Him to replenish His joy. His joy can be present in the midst of trials and heartache, but it will not thrive where there is bitterness and self-pity.
So instead of asking for more strength, I must seek the joy of the LORD!
Singing songs about the Lord helps also!
(I personally recommend Patch the Pirate when small children are involved)
"...but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord..."
Ephesians 5:18,19
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