Joy! Joy! Joy!
Let us enjoy the abundant life God has given us. Just to be with Him and know He is God is enough. His presence strengthens us greatly. We must learn to slow down, look around and see His nature right before us, all around us. Let us give Him the attention in our lives that He is due; it will heal us from the inside out.
When I first became very sick, my grandson put a bird feeder on my window. It brought me much joy to see the birds come, sit, and eat. Recently there had been some snow fall, and I thought they would not come, but one came. She stayed in the feeder for a long time, just sitting so contently. I enjoyed seeing her.
In my life I have always been so busy, and it robbed me of such simple joy, like seeing and admiring one of God’s creatures. I worked so hard, giving everything I could for my children, never resting like I should have. It has really caught up with me; I exhausted myself so much over so many years that now I have not been able to regain my health. But the joy of the Lord is my strength! Now, I have so much time. I sit and read my Bible; I pray often which brings me even closer to Jesus. I am blessed in great ways, having my family around me, and in small ways, seeing the birds come to my feeder. I feel like I did when I first gave my heart to God. I may have learned the hard way, and late in life, but I learned, and I am so grateful.
Nehemiah 8:10
…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.