Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30: 5 (NKJV)

“It is time to celebrate with a hearty meal and to send presents to those in need, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. You must not be dejected and sad!”
Nehemiah 10: 8 (TLB)

We know that life often can be anything but easy.

Less than fun. Heartaches hit.

Smiles and laughter too often go wanting.

It’s not fair, and way too often we find that it is uphill—both coming and going.

With little appreciation ever offered for a job well-done at the end of an arduous effort.

And where joy in the day is hard to find.

Maybe because, by itself, the joy we’re seeking comes from the world around us, and is defined by those values.

Where we find ourselves following the ways of the world, seeking satisfaction and fulfillment there, and any joy which seems to come our way is temporary, fleeting and dependent upon what we do—which is usually defined by the acquisition of stuff, comfort, money, recognition and achievement.

Maybe today it’s harder to find that joy, of which Nehemiah speaks, in addition to the difficulties and despair of our days, also because of the separation and isolation from the effects of the Covid virus in the past few years, and the resultant solitude and sadness overwhelming us at times.

Where our sense of wellness, peace and calm is governed and further dampened by things like remote work stations, limited attendance gatherings, online schooling, zoom meetings, masks and social distancing.

But despite all of that, we are also assured by David in the psalm above, that joy will come in the sunshine of each morning, even when we find that life doesn’t seem to be fair, fun or without fear, because in the midst of whatever we face or are going through, we remember that God is there.

His favor for us is for all our life, and His joy always comes in the morning. It comes again and again for us, forever.

And we will find joy, even when life doesn’t always seem good, because we remember that—God is always good.

And we are immersed in Him. Aligned with Him. Surrendered to Him.

Joy is ours with our good God.

The joy of the Lord. His joy is our strength.

Life at times may not be easy, fun, fair or without fear—but the joy of the Lord for our life is always there to lift, strengthen and lead us, and provide us with an eternal sense of wellness, peace, and calm.

The joy of the Lord.

For you. For me.

For every moment. Of every day.

Believe it. Embrace it. Rest in it.

Today and forever.

In His Name–Scott