Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Joy

Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we don't get much cooler at night than in the seventies, but the wind blowing keeps us cool even in all the humidity.

I headed out yesterday to gas up the van, and the wind is always blowing gales at the gas pumps at Walmart, but it feels good in the summer. As I was driving into the Park, I saw a lady peahen, and further down the street Mr. peacock was strutting again, so it must be courting time. Soon there will be babies running around. I had to almost stop to avoid hitting the lady, who was in the street. I wonder if they are called peacocks because that is the size of their brains. They are all beauty, not brains!

I was reading Psalm 104:1-23 this morning, telling of God's beauty that He has created for us to enjoy. Beautiful description of the earth and all its beauty! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I be joyful in hard times?

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.

Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!...I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything, I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and oiur attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.

James 4:14-18 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be our opportunity for joy.

Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis