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Listen while you read: "Count Your Blessings"1 (Lyrics) |
A while ago, my dad was very ill; he couldn't even walk, and I saw him wet himself while trying to reach the restroom. I had never seen him in such a vulnerable circumstance before, and I felt weakness just descend on me. It was so sudden, just like having cold water poured on me. As a means of strengthening myself the next morning as I was going to work, I chose to sing and praise God.
Nehemiah 8:10b – For the joy of the Lord is your strength. (KJV)
This verse introduces the concept that the joy of the Lord is our strength. This means that the sorrow of the world is our weakness.
Have you had times when you seem to be in the valley of the shadow of death or you feel like you are in the wilderness? You have tried all earthly means to solve your problem, but it seems like things are at a dead end, out of your control, with no way to turn but up. There is a myriad of ways to strengthen yourself in the joy of the Lord. Have you tried singing to God? Have you tried immersing yourself in the Word of God, the biblical stories of victories? Have you listened to testimony? Have you lost yourself in worship and praise? All these are the joy of the Lord. Johnson Oatman, Jr., wrote Count your blessings:
- Count your blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done.
This is the best way to experience the joy of God: by looking at all that He has done, and praising Him. David often did this; he would start a verse of the Psalms with a little complaint, then he moved on to remind himself of the strength of God, and finally, he spoke against his problems with confidence. You can do this, too.
Do you feel like you are drowning when you look at your problems? Do you feel helpless? If so, don't allow the sorrow and pain of this world to weaken you; instead find the joy of the Lord through worship. Even if you are crying as you are singing, just continue singing. God sees your tears, and He will take care of you.
I will leave this song, His eye is on the sparrow, by Civilla D. Martin with us:
- Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heav'n and home?
When Jesus is my portion
My constant Friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.
Prayer: Lord, I need Your joy, and I need Your strength. Amen.
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Thursday, January 23, 2025 – In Europe — Pray for the Jewish community to be encouraged and feel the love of their non-Jewish Christian friends. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts and minds of these secular Jews, and for God's leadership in my work.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
Wonderful reminder. Thank you.
Thanks, John, for the encouraging words.
Many thanks. A helpful push start to my day.
Thank you for your devotional today. I really needed to hear that.
Thanks, John, for your good and encouraging words today. Blessings.
Thank you, John. Your devotional speaks to me.
(ON)
Thank you for today’s story. It is exactly what I needed to hear.
God bless you.
Thank-very much, I needed that today after the tragedy we had a week ago today.
Thank-you.
Thank you, John. Yes, we should not be discouraged but count our blessings. Do hope your father is feeling better. Blessings.
In all things we are to give thanks. Though it is easier said than done, we can only get strength through the joy of the Lord in our hearts.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts. I am going through a season in my life when I needed to hear “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
In the Love of our Lord and Savior.
Hi John,
Thanks for the awesome Devotional today, I really appreciate it . Thanks for sharing.
Blessings to you.
(Ontario, Canada)
Good morning, John,
As we struggle with personal medical issues, we do need the Lord’s joy and strength indeed.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Thank you, John, for your inspiring devotional!
I feel encouraged and blessed!
Blessings and Gratitude,
(Canada)
Good morning, John,
Thank you for your encouraging message.
Hope your Dad is doing better.
Have a good day,
Blessings.
John,
I hope that your father has improved. Definitely a great message for us all to remember that God is there for us in all situations, and we just need to reach out. This is a beautiful way to experience the joy of our Lord. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Hello John,
Thank you for sharing your message with us today and I hope that your Dad is doing better. May the Lord bless you for sharing this touching devotional. And Yes – The Lord watches over you, me, and all of us. How wonderful is this!
Dear John,
Thank you for this strong word of encouragement. It is an often-needed reminder of our God’s faithfulness and His love and provision for us.
God bless and keep you.
(BC, Canada)
Thank you, John. What a great encouragement for us in our times of sorrow.
Hello John,
Thank you very much for today’s encouragement. Thank God for the gift of music.
Praise and worship always lift my spirit in both the good and bad times.
Stay blessed.