Today dear Lord, I choose to rejoice in You. There are so many grievous things happening in this world, and even in our lives, but I am choosing to allow your joy to strengthen me. Joy is second fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5, and yet far too often it is not a characteristic in my life. Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Lately, I have felt completely weak and powerless, and I’m beginning to see the connection. In your presence there is fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11). I will rejoice in the Lord always, and take joy in the God of my salvation in spite of circumstances (Phil. 4:4, Hab. 3:18). I will remember that I am blessed (which is a state of happiness) whenever I am poor in Spirit, hungering for righteousness, and even persecuted for the kingdom’s sake (Mt. 5:3-11). Lord forgive me for forgetting to walk in your provision of joy. No matter what I face, I have You and that is enough.You are my victorious warrior who rejoices over me (Zep. 3:17). I find that completely amazing! If you can rejoice over such weakness and imperfection, then I should rejoice constantly that the perfect One has entered death to bring me life to the fullest (Jn. 10:10). Thank You so much Father! I love You with all I am, and ask You to be the center of my life. Help me shine for You today, and to spread your love, hope and JOY to a lost and dying world. Amen
Psalm 63
O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches,
For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.
Your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek my life to destroy it,
Will go into the bdepths of the earth.
They will be adelivered over to the power of the sword;
They will be a bprey for foxes.
But the king will rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him will glory,
For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.