The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
1. The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
After being sick with Covid for almost three weeks I am ready to get some strength back! I spent four days in the hospital with Covid Pneumonia and was so happy to get back home with my family. It has been a blessing to have Annie and Andrew here to help Michael and me on our road to recovery. Andrew's parents brought us some delicious food. David, my son brought me a pulse meter to help me keep up with my oxygen, and my sister Karen brought some medication. Daniel, my son, and his wife, Allison sent a pot of soup and corn bread muffins, homemade cookies, and tomatoes and okra from their garden. Before he left I asked him to pray for me that I would regain my strength. He prayed and told me to focus on the joy of the Lord, because that brings us our strength. I hope to be able to sit at my computer a little each day and look at some things of the Lord that can bring us strength. "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
2. God Gives Us Food For Strength
I was in the emergency room for 30 hours waiting on a room in the hospital, and most of that time was spent without anything to eat or drink. I kept getting weaker and the brain fog set in and my eyes were blurred. Once I was given something to eat I could tell that my eyes and mind became a little more focused. I thought about when King Saul's army was in battle and he foolishly charged them not to eat or taste any food. His son, Jonathan, did not know of the oath and tasted some honey. "Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey." (I Samuel 14:29) God gives us food and drink for nourishment. I had no appetite in the hospital and lost ten pounds. I need to lose even more weight to be healthier, but for now it is good to be home and have family to provide my meals. I need to eat to regain my strength. My vision and mind have been so stressed, and I can tell an improvement each time I eat. If you are struggling with sickness or stress, please take time to eat something. God gives us food for strength and nourishment. And we can find so much joy in good food.
3. Prayer Gives Us Strength
I want to begin with a portion of an email from Leon, one of my readers... "Thought you may enjoy this quote that was made by my niece when she was about 11 years old. "I've been thinking. Prayer is like drawing a picture. You can't go forever drawing stick figures. At some point you have to learn how to put in the details." What great insight at such a young age.
It has been a great joy and strength to read all the messages of people who have prayed for us during these hard times. I just saw many of the messages yesterday when I sat at my computer. Michael also showed me the cards we received through the mail. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. The power of prayer is something we should not take lightly. God hears and answers our prayers when we pray from our mouth and from our heart! "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) James also assures us of the help we receive in praying for one another. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) Thank you so much for your prayers!
4. God's Word Gives Us Joy And Strength
My eyes and mind have finally cleared enough to get back to my Bible reading. I try to begin in Genesis each January, and keep a study journal, or notes as I read through the year. I have three composition books of notes, from three years, that I decided to combine as I read this year, so it is taking me longer to get through the Bible. I like to write down verses that I want to remember and questions I have as I read. Like, "Why didn't Aaron die with the 3,000 men when he made the golden calf?" Later, I found the answer in Deuteronomy 9:20 and put the answer with the question. "And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time." Jotting down questions I have, and notes as I read, helps me remember more of what I read. I enjoy my Bible reading. I am sure that it gives me joy of the Lord and strength. Many times at night when I am not sleeping, the Lord will bring sweet scriptures to my mind, and in this way He helps me meditate day and night. What a spiritual blessing!
"1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (Psalm 1:1-3)
5. Being Thankful
I enjoy seeing all the pictures of pumpkins and anything else that reminds me of fall, because this time of year brings Thanksgiving. After being sick for three weeks, Michael was able to go back to school Friday, and my Mom was able to go pick up some groceries. I, on the other hand, am having a hard time just walking to the table to eat. I feel like I could build up some strength if I was able to move about a little more, but I really don't have the strength to do anything. But, I am thankful! I am thankful that I am home with loving family to help take care of me. I am thankful that Michael and my Mom are feeling better. I am thankful that I have progressed this far. It helps to build strength and joy in having an attitude of gratitude, and my Lord is so good to me!
"1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100)
6. Patience
We were always taught to never pray for patience. I have not been praying toward that end, but I believe that the Lord is trying to teach me patience. I am having trouble with a high pulse rate. My pulse is between 110 and 136 each time I check it. I read that this can be caused by a virus affecting your heart, which is probable because this is far above normal for me. I also read that if your pulse is above 105 not to do any exercise. I have always felt like it helps to build strength, to exercise. Now, I am just sitting, and waiting. I am trying to eat healthy and get enough sleep, and praying, and waiting for it to start showing signs of improvement. It is so hard for me because my desire is to fix our meals, and do the laundry, and cleaning, but I will try to learn patience through this ordeal. I desire your prayers!
"1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:1-6)
7. Think On These Things
When I left the hospital room, and all the medical supplies, I came home to my room of lighthouses, and beach pictures. Elsa often kids me in saying that I don't have to go to the beach, because I have the beach in my room. And little Lici puts the large sea shells on the floor to "make the beach" for me. Early in the year I hung a fish net on the wall and clipped photos of our children and grandchildren, in the net. My room brings good thoughts as I recover. I believe that good positive thoughts can help us and bring positive results in our healing. There is so much wrong in the world today, and things seem to continue in the wrong direction all the time. And though I feel like we shouldn't close our eyes to it all, I do believe that we can put our trust and hope in the Lord and think on good things. God is still in control!
"6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:6-8)
8. Consider One Another In Love
After my Mom went home from the hospital she called me and told me that she didn't feel like cooking or eating. It broke my heart that I couldn't do anything for her, because I was still in the hospital myself. I called my sister and she went to the grocery store that afternoon and also took Mom some take-out. The next day my son took her some take-out from one of her favorite restaurants and left it on her front porch. My Mom called me and told me that the baked spaghetti was the best thing she had had to eat. My daughter and husband have been able to prepare my food since I came home, and it is helping me to recover. I hope today that I can encourage you to check on those who are sick. They may not be able to get up and cook meals. Maybe you could take them some groceries, sandwich items and snacks, and some take-out for the day. You could leave it on the front porch and not have to expose yourself to their sickness. "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" (Hebrews 10:24) Call your friends who may need help. You may be able to provide a little sunshine during their dark days.
9. That Your Joy May Be Full
In chapter 15 of John, Jesus tells how He is the vine and we are the branches and we abide in Him. He continues, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:11) In I John, the beloved Apostle tells us that we can have fellowship with God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, that our joy may be full. Having fellowship with our God and Savior does give us joy! And this joy of the Lord gives me strength. Today I praise the Lord that after almost 4 weeks, my strength is beginning to return and I am able to walk through the house without holding on to the walls. I still have a way to go, but God continues to be with me and that gives me joy!
"9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:9-11)
"3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (I John 1:3-4)
10. "This Is The Day Which The Lord Hath Made..."
I have spent days sitting and looking out the windows. I see the green trees, and look forward for them to turn into their fall colors. I remember last winter when I looked out the same windows, and waited for the trees to turn green. I wanted to see it rain, and it has rained really hard this week. I am thankful for each new day and each new season and what it brings! Wednesday morning it rained, in the afternoon it was sunny, and in the evening we had a thunder storm with heavy rain. The wet leaves on the trees had a glow about them, in the evening sun. I hope that as I come through this storm I can have a glow about me, with the light of the Lord shining through my life. I am thankful that each day this week I have gained new strength. My goal has been to do a little something each day. I gave Michael a much needed hair cut on Monday, mopped my kitchen floor on Tuesday, and on Wednesday I baked some chocolate pies. Michael and I also needed to run some simple errands and I got out of the house for the first time in 4 weeks (except for the hospital and doctor's office.) As I continue to recover I savor each day -- rain, sunshine, or storm, because I am thankful that the Lord has given me another day! "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
11. Love The Lord With All Thy Strength
When I was young we lived next to my grandmother and she would ask me to mop the floor for her. She had one of those heavy cotton mops that was hard to wring out, and I was happy to help her. She would always say, "Just give it a lick and a promise." She didn't want me to work too hard, or take too much time, just go over the floor and be done with it. There are times in life when it may be okay to do things half-way. As I recover and gain my strength, I am working a little each day around the house, but I am not able to give it my full effort. It still gives me joy to be able to get a little bit done, and every little bit adds up. When we do something for the Lord we are commanded to give it our all. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) "...All thine heart... all thy ways..." When Jesus was asked what the first, or greatest, commandment was He replied, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:29-30) We are to love the Lord with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind, and with all our strength! That covers every aspect of our lives. Our theme this week has been, "The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength". As we gain joy and strength from the Lord, we are to pour that right back into our love for Him. Our Lord gave His all for us, and He deserves all of our love and praise!
"28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:28-31)
12. Don't Judge Others
Years ago when I worked in an office I drove past Thomas Built Bus, which employs many hard workers. Very close to that plant I passed a man on a bicycle one morning and he looked so sad. Going the same time each morning, I passed him day after day, and every day he looked as though he was struggling so hard. Then, one day, he was smiling. It was the first day I had ever seen him happy. I wondered what had made the difference, and I realized that every day that I had seen him before, he was pedaling hard to go uphill. On that day he had made it up the hill and was coming down on the other side. We all have different struggles. Sometimes we are working as hard as we can to make it up that hill. Then, we reach the top and life seems a little easier for a while, until we come to the next hill. I guess what I want to say today, is, "Don't judge others, because you don't know what they are going through." For a long time I thought that he was a very sad man because he carried such a frown... until I realized that the hard lines on his face were because of the hill he had to climb. As we near the close of this chapter on "The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength", remember that people have storms, or sickness, or financial woes, or many other problems that make life hard. Don't criticize someone for not showing the joy of the Lord. You don't know what hill lies ahead of you. "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)
13. "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me..."
My strength is improving every day and we are getting out of the house a little more, so I am ready to go back to church. Friday evening I told Michael that I would like for us to practice some songs to see if I had breath to sing. I also wanted to see if my vision had cleared enough to play the piano. We sang a little and I was still playing from our hymnal when Annie's family came home. My back was to the door so I didn't see them, but I could hear Elsa over the sound of the piano, "Are ya'll finally going back to church???" This blessed my heart! It told me that my little granddaughter knows that we usually go to church. If you grow weary and wonder if you should just stop going to church, think about the eyes that are watching you. You may be encouraging your neighbors that see you leave your house, the little children that sit around you, and the young couples who are watching your love for the Lord. We are too near our heavenly home to quit now. After being away from church for so long it gives me great joy to declare like David, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." (Psalm 122:1)
