How to find Strength

Nehemiah 8:10,

Do not be grieved, for the joy  of the LORD  is your strength.

As I was having a really bad day, I wondered how this could be true.  How could I continue in joy after losing my phone, missing an appointment, not having contact information, and having a new mower break down.  In all this, God showed me that even in the bad days, He is evermore present and will reward our faithfulness when we lean on Him.  I was able to get a borrowed phone the next day from a tenant we have been helping out with a sick baby and I was able to get an upgraded phone on a promotion for only $5.00 a month.  It is through our trials God shows us who He is and what He wants for us.  When we don’t trust in Him, it doesn’t allow Him to fully show what He can do for us.    As we read God’s Word and see our sinful nature, we are to repent because we are so pitifully gross but in this we shouldn’t grieve too long.     Instead, we should choose to receive His joy through forgiveness because this is what God wants for us.  He does not want us to be separated from Him.  He wants us to experience His joy and peace as they are real and powerful and can make our life whole and complete.

It is  most necessary  to thankfully accept  the gift  of forgiveness. When we have accepted this gift, then we can take it all in  and rejoice  in this forgiveness.     That is the only way to remain strong in the LORD  ---  trust  in His love  and obey  with joy. The LORD  is  my strength!" , “ In Him will I place my trust! “

Practical tips: Take a minute each day and write down what you are grateful for today.  It doesn’t have to be big or spiritual; just personal.  When feeling stressed or depressed, some people develop habits to help them relax. The most common habits include cigarette smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating and inactivity, which can harm your health. Eating or drinking too much, or smoking, do not help your stress level and can damage your health. Stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, depression and suicide. Some ways to manage stress and depression include:

• Exercise is one of the healthiest ways to deal with stress. The act of moving your body is a great way to improve your mood and relieve stress.  It does not have to be formal exercise, cleaning the house, getting up and moving around, lifting your arms up and around help the blood flow in your body.
• Talking or writing about your feelings is another good way to relieve stress. You can talk to Christian friends, family or a trained counselor. You can also write your feelings in a journal.  Look for how God can use this to draw closer to Him.
• Get away from you. While a nice long vacation is often a good stress reliever, it is not always possible and we need to learn how to live and be content in the moment.  Having something you enjoy doing is important.  Try and spend a few minutes each day doing something that you like that takes your mind off of the stress or depression.
• Relax. Activities such as yoga, meditation, listening to praise music and breathing exercises can help calm your mind and relax your body. Repeating phrases from scripture to remind yourself of what God says, “I am loved”, “I am complete”, “I am healed” allows your mind to reset to receive the gifts of joy and peace God wants for us.

Blessings to you in this beautiful season of love shown by God in giving us the most precious gift of His son Jesus so that we may live and reign with Him forevermore.

Deb

 

Scripture to Memorize:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”   Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

 

Song to Listen to:

"Come to Me" Aaron Shust

 

Gifts for this Season of Giving:

Jesus Calling - Sarah Young

The Power of Being Thankful - Joyce Meyer