I haven’t posted much lately. Here’s just a morning of reflection from my journal to my friends. I hope it somehow encourages your heart.
Lately, morning quiet time is sometimes not so quiet. The early hours of stillness are shared as sleep eludes Jeff. I juggle my focus between my books and my favorite person. God is teaching me new ways to stand strong in my faith.
Midway through my study, I am interrupted by news. Lab results look troublesome.* I’m tempted to toss the Bible aside and sink into waters of worry. I look down at my study. “Though an army besiege me, I will not fear…” (Psalm 27:3, NIV), and I decide I’d better keep doing that study after all. Today, I’m in Nehemiah.
“Then Ezra said to them, ‘Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. And do not be worried, for the joy of the LORD is your strength and your stronghold” (Nehemiah 8:10, AMP).
“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples” (Matthew 28:8, NIV).
“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy” (John 16:20, NIV).
Nehemiah needed to encourage the people. Ezra just finished reading the law to them all. As the Levites explained God’s word, the crowd began to weep. They must have recognized their failures in obedience and faith. I can relate! When I read my Bible, it should convict my heart. It should bring godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), but God doesn’t want me to stay there. He wants me to follow Jesus into joy.
When Jesus went to the cross, He endured it for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Now we are called to celebrate His victory. God reminds us not to mourn or weep over our sin. His joy is our strength. If the Son has set us free, we are free indeed! (John 8:36).
Father, when my heart is overwhelmed, I know I can bring my sorrow to You. One day, You will wipe away every tear. For now, I will fix my eyes on Your Son. Jesus, You knew we would bear sorrow in this life. As You transformed water into wine, please turn our sadness to joy. Please give us garments of praise in exchange for spirits of despair. Holy Spirit joy is the strength we need Today. Thank You for the cross. Your resurrection restores our hope.
My courage is restored. I can face another day. I have remembered to “wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).
How do you regain balance when life is full of temptations to fear? Share your keys to strength. I love to learn about how God meets you in your struggles.
*I’m not ready to share updates on Jeff. We are in the discovery stages. Just pray we will have courage, WHATEVER may come!
