rejoicing always

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (6:56 a.m.)

(7:32 a.m.)

Father,

I want to give You something real. Not mechanical. I’m looking into what it means to rejoice always. Even/especially when I’m not feeling it.

Thank You that there is much written about rejoicing always. Thank You also for the song verse from yesterday that keeps singing out to me.

♪…I can face anything

‘Cause You’re here with me

I can do all things

‘Cause You strengthen me♪

(Fires)

Thanking comes so much easier for me than rejoicing. I look to You to do all You must with this.

Thank You for the privilege of telling You straight out that rejoicing can be hard! Thank You that there is much written about this as well.

“It is okay to grieve, feel lost, and admit that you are struggling, as joy is a deep strength rather than just a shallow emotion” (AI).

Reading further I am reminded that I can choose to “view challenges as training grounds for faith and endurance” (loosely based on James 1:2-4).

(7:58 a.m.)

Psalm 33:21, 20

Mm. And here I get to sing again!

♪Christ is my Firm Foundation

The Rock on which I stand

When everything around me is shaken

I’ve never been more glad

That I put my faith in Jesus

‘Cause He’s never let me down

So why would He fail now?

He Won't♪

(9:08 a.m.)

(9:46 a.m.)

Psalm 16:11

♪There is joy in the House of the Lord…

And we won’t be quiet♪

(10:35 a.m.)

Nehemiah 8:10

♪There is joy is the House of the Lord…

And we won’t be quiet♪

(10:47 a.m.)

Dragging this time with You out over several hours this morning has been helpful. Wanting to learn to rejoice even when I don’t “FEEL” like it is necessary in being truthful with You.

Thank You for showing me the writings of others that deal with this very topic. I read that by rejoicing when I’m not feeling it, over time I will come to feel it.

A bigger truth I’m coming to better understand comes from a sermon given in February 2021 at Citylight Center City. “… If you want real joy, don’t simply seek it. Seek the LORD, and because He is joy, in Him you will find it.”

The joy of the Lord IS my strength! Help me apply it again and again and again. 

I love, need, trust and want You Blessed God. Do all You must that I will truly worship, adore, glorify, enjoy and represent You well. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(444 words ~11:09 a.m.)