Joy...

Good morning.  And a good morning it is.
You know how God seems to put ideas on your heart?
 Or for me most of the time things that I need to work on in my life.
The word Joy has continually been on my heart
and in conversations I have had with people lately.

I had a blessing of having coffee with a sweet new friend yesterday.  What a joy that was to visit and see how God is placing new sisters in my life. I am ever thankful.  She was absolutely a person filled with joy and expectation of what God is doing and can do in our lives.

I have probably said it before but I am realizing that joy is not an earthly word.  You can't find it in things not associated with God.  I love this word. It is a spiritual, special word.

Here are some passages that God put before me this morning. (I needed them. I feel for people that have chronic illness and don't have the hope of ever getting better or feeling normal and strong. I have felt that way for several weeks. It is hard and depressing.  I do think though that through God's word and his spirit that we can find a place of joy even in the midst of struggle and hardship.)

Out of Jesus Calling:
Psalm 5:11- Let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread Your protection over them that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.

Give up your striving to keep everything under control-
an impossible task and a waste of precious energy.

I am with you continually, so don't be intimidated by fear. 
Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you,
as long as you cling to My hand. 
 Keep your eyes on Me, enjoying Peace in My Presence.

From One Thousand Gifts:

Instead of filling with expectations,
the joy-filled expect nothing- and are filled.
The humble live surprised. The humble live by joy.

He must increase and I must decrease-
not because that is burden but so that my joy might increase with more of Him!
Whenever I am parched and dry I must kneel low in thanks.

God asks me to give thanks in all things,
because He knows that the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving.

Joy comes from the very presence of  God. 
Joy is God and God is joy and joy doesn't negate all other emotions-
joy transcends all other emotions.

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

Comments

Becky V said…
Amy, I'm sad to hear you've been feeling down. But glad you are finding friends who are sources of encouragement...which I know from experience will be mutual. :) I love those verses that refer to God as our refuge -- such an comforting thought. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for your honesty and openness. I pray you get to that place of joy, and often.:)

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