Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I look out my window, I can see the neighbors' trees blowing and the oranges on their trees, holding on.
On a trip to the park yesterday, I noticed the azaleas in full bloom, as ours are, and a yellow butterfly flitting from blossom to blossom. God has created beautiful colors for us to enjoy, if we only look around!
From the Promise Bible:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord.Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
