A Note of Encouragement

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Man praising God and the words His Joy is our strength

Nehemiah 8:10
JOY

Volume XVI, Issue 36 
September 5, 2016 
JOY...by Terry L. Coleridge

These last couple of months I've been tired...almost lethargic...both physically and spiritually. I was even at the point of questioning my faith. The stress has been so overwhelming.
 
Changes at work made my job more difficult. We learned my mother-in-law has a new health condition which will shorten her life even more than we expected.1 I've tried to be there for her like Jesus would...not an easy task. And all the while I've really missed my side of the family.
 
Raised hands in worship
I'm part of a worship team at my church. One Sunday before the service, we went into a back room as usual for a time of prayer.
 
We prayed that the Lord would minister through us for the service, especially in these trying times with such struggles in our families, our churches, our country, and abroad. We prayed for our soldiers who have lost their lives and those still fighting for our freedom and faith.
 
As we prayed, a Bible verse came to mind---Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!2 Then I thought of a song...The Joy of the Lord is My Strength.
 
After the service my husband commented that our team had truly led our church in worship. Then as I was getting ready to leave, an elderly lady came up to me. Her husband suffered from a severe stroke and was now in a wheelchair. She told me about her struggles.
 
Diverse young people singing in church Small choir singingI had to tell her about the verse and song the Lord had put on my heart. I thought they were just to help me get through the week and glorify Him through worship. But they were for her, too.
 
The next thing I knew, we were both standing near the Sanctuary, singing the song together. She even remembered verses I had forgotten. One that caught my attention was, "If you want joy, you must sing for it."
 
As I praised the Lord through song with this lady, a great weight lifted from me. And something dawned on me. Maybe I needed to put more emphasis on thanking and praising the Lord and less on dwelling in my struggles.
 
Choir singing Choir in Nepal singing God works in some incredible ways. How amazing that He would use us to encourage others and at the same time use them to encourage us.
 
All the next week that verse ministered to me. Every day at work that song was in my heart. I sang its words and hummed its happy tune. Rather than mired in my misery, I found new life in His joy.
 
The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalms 28:7 NLT
 
Are there struggles in your life? Is each day one of misery? Lift up your voice to God. Praise Him. See opportunities through your struggles. And find new life in His joy.

Terry

1. My mother-in-law lives with us and already has health issues. Her pain is now evident every day in her gait and in her attitude. It is not easy to watch her go downhill like this.

2. Psalms 27:14 ESV.
 
Terry L. Coleridge is a Nurse Assistant/Facilitator and has cared for individuals with Down's Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Autism, and various behavioral disorders. Terry and her husband live in Washington State, USA.
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