The joy of the Lord is our strength!

the Joy of the Lord

The Joy of the Lord is your Key! Just read the following words aloud and see what happens to your mood as your spirit takes charge over your soul. Then post your favorites on Facebook.

Discover the Joy of The Lord

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place. (1 Chronicles 16:27)

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:5)

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7)

You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

MORE UPLIFTING EXERCISES: Be sure to post your favorites on Facebook and Twitter! Then search the Bible for joy (pun intended). What are some of your other favorite verses that contain the word joy? Or – if you want to get carried away – count how many times the word joy (or a derivative thereof) appears. That would be fun, eh?

[callout]Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)[/callout]

To Abide In Jesus Is Your Number One Priority

What’s your primary concern today? Is it your marriage? Your children? Your relationships? Your finances? Your home? Your job? Your health? If you’re like most of us, you probably spend a lot of time and energy trying to figure out how to change your situation and circumstances. Finding the solution – no matter what problems occupy your mind today – begins with a single step: to abide in Jesus. In fact, abiding will always be Your Number One Priority.

I hope yesterday’s post started you thinking about Who God is for you and helped you remember where your identity originates. There’s a lot more to say on those topics, so we’ll get back to them later. But for today, let’s consider your mental focus.

[callout]Jesus said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. ” (John 15:5)[/callout]

That’s the perfect picture of what it means to abide in Jesus!

  • Stay attached.
  • Keep your mental focus on Him.
  • Remember that He will never leave you.

How do you do that? It takes work to be sure. But it’s pleasant work.

  1. Start your day – even before your coffee – by thanking Him for being with you.
  2. Whenever your thoughts wander to something troubling, bring them back into focus by recalling Scripture that addresses your situation.
  3. Thank Him that it’s His pleasure to instruct you, to bless you and keep you, and to provide for your needs.

QUESTIONS

  • What is your Number Once Concern today? Right now. This very minute.
  • What Scripture comes to mind for your situation? If nothing pops up, you can do a quick keyword search here.

Post your comments here or send me a message > mail@drdebismith.com

Joyful Anticipation

“I know the plans I have for you. They will stretch you. They are stretching you now. My plans are for your good and the only way you will be truly happy. Trust me. You are more dear and precious to me than you realize. I put those desires in your heart, and I am the only one who can fulfill them.

Walk closely to me. You cannot screw this up. You cannot even delay it when you become fearful because I’m at work in your anxious times, too.

  • Do not let shame rule over you. Do not listen to those lies.
  • I will turn your mourning into dancing.
  • You will face challenges, and you will overcome them all.

Watch me. Watch what I do next. You’re going to love this one!

Love, Papa