One of my Dear Sister’s in Christ, persevered through some struggles last year. We all have struggles, don’t we? On a daily basis. Some are bigger, some are smaller. We can’t escape them. Cathy’s faith and hope throughout her experiences was such an encouragement to me. I asked her to share with you so that you could be encouraged too! Today’s blog was written by Cathy Mudge.
PRAISE OF JOY
A year ago, I faced some unexpected health challenges that are still lingering today. In the dry wilderness, the Lord showered me with His refreshing love, mercy, and grace. The more I feasted on His Holy Word, the more He transformed my life, healed my brokenness, and gave me joy. Jo Ann Leavell explains it this way: “When you have clung to Jesus through pain and problems and experienced His amazing grace, you find JOY IN HIM.” Our joy increases as we become more intimate in our fellowship with God!
Often, I’ve considered memorizing scripture; but sadly, I never put forth the effort. Last month Psalm 103 kept surfacing from several resources, so I pledged to memorize the first six verses. I wanted this to be a sign of my devotion and praise to God the Father, King Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. A ‘thank you’ for the many lessons and blessings I received while He walked with me through my wilderness to a place of balance and restoration. Look at this golden psalm, a treasure from King David. (I replaced ‘your’ with ‘my’ so it’s from my heart.)
Psalm 103: 1-6:
Praise the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me. Praise His Holy Name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His blessings and benefits.
Who forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
Who redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love, mercy, and compassion.
Who satisfies my desires with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Ponder this passage and think about what the Lord is saying to YOU in the middle of your situation. Begin by praising His Name. I like to remember how he has taken care of us ALL our DAYS on earth. Only the Lord can heal us and take away our regrets, resentment, grudges, anger, selfish pride, fear, anxiety, and grief. He forgives our sins, failures, and mistakes. Jesus saves us from the pits of hell and gives us the peace that only comes from a relationship with Him! God walks with us every single day and provides strength to keep going. As we read His Word and follow His Light, He supplies us with energy and passion like we had when we were young. He holds us up so we can soar and fly like an eagle reaching new heights. His Holy Spirit is the sustaining wind that guides our flight path as we face challenging obstacles and trials. The Lord is our strength, courage, and peace when we become weak. He is on our side and rescues us from the enemy. God is delighted when HE WORKS FOR US and IN US as WE WORK FOR HIM. Praises of Joy for His Glory, Praise His Holy Name.
I can wholeheartedly say that memorizing Psalm 103 has changed my heart and mind and transformed my life. My prayer is that YOU may find a Psalm or specific scripture passage that touches your soul, one that you can read over and over again that brings praises and joy. Pray it, sing it, study it, memorize it, share it, and teach it to someone else. Use the power in scripture to replace your anxiety with the Peace of Christ. Shout it out loud when you are happy and recite it when the enemy tries to discourage you with fear. Let the Living Word of God heal your brokenness and make you strong and courageous. Then the fullness of HIS JOY on earth will point us toward HIS PERFECT JOY in Heaven.