My Strength

"The joy of the Lord is my strength."
One of my Dad's favorite verses...
It's easy to say when everything is good.
It really is....admit it.
I have a great job. "The joy of the Lord is my strength."
I have my family with me. "The joy of the Lord is my strength."
I own a beautiful home. "The joy of the Lord is my strength."
I have a 401k and benefits. "The joy of the Lord is my strength."
I'm healthy and feel good! "The joy of the Lord is my strength."

There's not anything wrong with "the joy of the Lord" being your strength when it's ALL good.
But lately I've been wondering if all the "good stuff" is kinda like crutches....like the thing that HELPS our joy.

So when the crutches get knocked out from under you, when all the "good stuff" is gone, is your joy remaining?? Can your joy remain and stand on its own without the "stuff" holding it up??

Well, by the way I've been acting lately, my joy has been pretty weak without the "stuff."
Don't get me wrong...there's nothing wrong with the good "stuff."
The Lord is good and LOVES to bless His kids.
But this life holds trials and He says to "count it all joy when we fall into various trials."

Ummm....this girl has NOT been "counting it ALL joy."
But today is a new day.
Jesus has spoken to me and it's time for a change.
No more pouting. No more anger.
He is good and kind and I will REJOICE in the favor He has shown me.

It's a day to remember my favorite verse:
"My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly estate of his maidservant, and from now on all generations will call me BLESSED! For He has done great things for me and HOLY is His name!"