Joy

Today, I must confess I am blogging for the sake of blogging. I feel I have nothing important to say.

That aside, this week one particular word has been on my mind. I can't help but think this word in itself is a blessing from God. This word describes the feeling in my heart when my little one makes me laugh, or when my husband plays with her. Each day, it's like God has written this word on my forehead and I'm thinking, "Am I walking around with this thing on my head?".

So let's see what the Bible has to say about the word: Joy.

1 Chronicles 16:33 says, "Then shall the trees of the forest sing for JOY before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth".

1 Kings 1:40, "All all the people went up after him playing on pipes, rejoicing with great JOY, so that the earth was split with their noise".

Nehemiah 8:10, " ...And do not be grieved, for the JOY of the Lord is your strength".

Psalm 4:7, "You have put more JOY in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound".

Psalm 20:5, "May we shout for JOY over your salvation and in the name of our God, set up banners!".

Psalm 63:7, "..for you have been my help and in the shadow of your wings, I will sing for JOY".

And the list goes on.. What can I deduce from this word study? The Bible is PACKED with verses on joy. Based on the scriptures above, where does joy come from? My joy comes from the Lord, and I praise Him for giving me this gift. I think parenting is a joy. There are so many moments throughout the day where I'm thinking, "Thank you, God. Thank you for giving me this joy in my heart that I know only comes from You." And in the midst of sleepless nights, worrisome days, and an overall sense of fear for the future - God reminds me, "The joy of the Lord is my strength".