Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear, sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside earlier , the waning moon was visible in the southern sky, just short of three-quarters full, but I didn't see any stars. After all the rain and very dark clouds we have had, the blue sky is most welcome!
Matthew's flat bicycle tire was fixed by our friend, Terry, so he enjoyed riding as fast as he could on it. He is also enjoying his new Ron-Jon skateboard and was brave enough to ride it all the way down our driveway, and into the street, after checking to see that no cars were coming. He has also taken it to the Park, but can only ride it on the sidewalk there.
I heard a bird that sounded just like a hawk in one of our trees yesterday, but couldn't see if it was a mockingbird. The water is way up in the park and everything looks really green and pretty. God sends rain when we need it! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
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 our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever truble comes your way, let it be an 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
