The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart.
Where?
Down in my heart.
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart to stay!

Wow! Had to get that out. That tune has been in my head for 3 days now and it is driving me bananas! Now getting to the lesson...

Have you got joy down in your heart? I'm sure you are sitting there thinking, 'uh, why of course I do, Kacie. Silly question.' Is it? If you have joy, then why? What are you joyful about?

At the beginning of the week I would have said of course I have joy! I have a adoring husband who, in spite of my many many flaws, loves me and wouldn't walk thru life with anyone else. I have a family who loves and supports me. Friends who are there for me at the drop of a hat. I am joyful because I have a job, food in my frig and a closet full of clothes. What's not to be joyful about?

Well I got a reality check...a big one! Every one of those things listed above can be yanked away from me at any given moment. Then what would I have to be joyful about?

Beth wasted no time on day one letting me know what I ought to be joyful about. She let me know MY name is written in heaven! Written on the walls for all to see! Pretty amazing huh? Just sit there and really think about that. For all my flaws and all my failures in life, God has forgiven me and reserved a spot for me next to Him. He knew before the world was even created that one day I would be dancin' in His streets!

So day one and two I was pumped and on this joy high, then I went to day three and got that reality check I was talking about. Hardships? I'm not supposed to have hardships and be joyful at the same time. They do not go together. This must be a misprint. Little did realize I was about to learn a valuable lesson.

At this point in my life there has been 3 major events that have rocked my world so hard I was barely able to stand straight. During each event, I questioned God and wondered how He could let these things happen. I never really struggled with death much growing up. Most of the people I knew who passed where older and it was just their time. I completely understood and accepted that. But I started resenting death, if that is possible, several years ago when someone very precious to me was called home. I couldn't understand why they were ripped from their family at such an unexpected time. It happened 2 more times, both just last year. I had, and still do have, a hard time dealing with each death. I know God has a plan for everything but when I think about those 3 precious lives that have been taken away, I can't see the plan nor can I see the joy. Day 3 made me realize I have to go through that pain and suffering to be able to know Christ better. To know the suffering He experienced. Beth says, 'I am convinced we cannot begin to really know Christ until we learn to fellowship with Him in His suffering.' If you have ever gone through a tragedy with someone, how much closer are you now than before? You're closer because you experienced the same suffering and know the pain. That's how it has to be with Christ. We will never be able to understand His suffering if we don't suffer a little ourselves.

Today I sit here with joy in my heart. I know God is in control and He will take care of me. Continuing to have joy in my heart and not let hardships damper that, will be a challenge. I hope you will challenge yourself too. Life will never be easy, but your life will always be good with God.