The Joy of the Lord

"The Joy of the Lord is My Strength"  

Sometimes, people quote scriptures and it seems automatic, and we might miss the very real meaning found within. These words are found in several places in scripture,  with slight variations. In college, we sang it as a praise song, and it's hard to sing it without cheering up.

For years, people have praised my positive attitude, my strength when things seemed too tough to handle. But sometimes, I'm not cheerful. Some days I'm downright discouraged, even glum.  Sometimes, I'm worn out and tired of pain and really wish I could just give up. And then I feel like a failure, because I don't have a "right" to be depressed. I've been blessed over and over and I should be so grateful that I couldn't ever be sad, right?

But as I listened to the birds singing, I thought how happy they sounded. It reminded me of God taking care of the sparrows, so would even more care for me.  And then in a flash, I thought about how God has seen me through so many things in my life, the routine, the stressful, and the sad. God has been my strength in the past, is now, and will be in the future. 

Suddenly, I thought, "The JOY of the Lord is my strength" and I realized how true this is. When have I felt closest to the Lord? When have I felt the strongest? When I praised Him, and acknowledged Him. and even, when I leaned on Him.  When I feel the joy of the Lord, then I am strong.    

So, today, I will look for joy. And you know what? I suspect it'll be there waiting for me.  

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm27:1

Jesus' List

Sometimes, we think life would be wonderful if we could always be on the mountaintop, or in other words, living a life of joy without problems. But if that were always the case, would we even appreciate the good times if we had nothing else to compare them to? 

Life has the sad and hard times as well, but in a way, they are the times of blessings. For it is in these times that we find ourselves seeking a closer relationship with God. It is in the valleys of life where we discover the blessing of strength to continue by relying on God. 

Having lupus has led to many serious problems in my life, yet in a way, it has been a blessing. Would I have become as close to God if I had not had such worries? 

A friend of mine posted this list, a good reminder for us all. It's written as a list from Jesus.

If you never felt pain, then how would you know 
that I am a Healer?  

If you never had to pray, how would you know 

that I am a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself 
an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness, how would you 
understand joy?

If you never made a mistake, how would you know 
that I am a forgiver?

If you knew all, how would you know 
that I will answer your questions?

If you never were in trouble, how would you know 
that I will come to your rescue

If you never were broken, then how would you know 
that I can make you whole again?

If you never had a problem, how would you know 
that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering, then how would you know 
what I went through?

If you never went through the fire, then how would 
you become pure?

If I gave you all things, how would you 
appreciate anything?

If I never corrected you, how would you 
know that I love you?

If you had all power, then how would you 
learn  to depend on me?

If your life was perfect, then what would you need me for?

Love, Jesus