promised joy

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 (5:59 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

 Mm, yes. Morning. Good. You.

“Joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5)

“The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Quoting an online Bible Study site (biblestudytools) “The joy of the Lord is found on the road to restoration.” Mm… The more I read, Lord the more hopeful I become.

“The root word for joy in this context means to rejoice or to make glad. ‘Strength’ in the same verse is a Hebrew word meaning ‘a place of safety, protection, refuge, or stronghold.’ The root word of strength means to be strong, prevail; to make firm, strengthen.’ The joy of the Lord is a constant gladness and cause to rejoice. It stems from an inner strengthening from our relationship with Him. When Jesus died for us, He restored us to a peace with God that cannot be undone. ‘Your joy rests on God’s joy.’”

Here I find myself searching to learn more about Your promised joy. And thanking You Lord. Oh how I thank You.

John 15:11, “I have told you this [‘Remain in my love’] so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

Today has yet to fully get started for us. And there is a genuine peace building within. Father God, I love You. I long to serve You as You alone know is best. Here I ask You to continue Your work in guiding me to living this day in Your strength and promised joy.

Jesus’ words to You in John 17:13, “And now I am coming to You. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy.” How I ask You to make it so.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for “17:1-26 Jesus is our high priest and intercessor (Hebrews 8:1-6). He makes God’s will known to us and our heartfelt needs known to God…” Again I ask, make it so!

Returning to the Bible study site and its final paragraph. “Joy shifts our hearts to a position of worship regardless of current circumstance. It doesn’t change, fade, or expound based on anything we do or go through. He is a constant safety and peace in our lives. A safe harbor, in a tumultuous world. Through the filter of His joy and by the power of His strength, we are able to witness the surrounding beauty of life in deep and complex layers… all in His time.”

Again and again I pray Blessed God, make Your promised joy visible in this day. I love You Dad. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(451 words ~ 7: 40 a.m.)