Rejoice in the Lord

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Psalms 5:11

This week has been so wonderful!  The weather was warmer, my energy was amazing, breathing fresh outside air was refreshing; it was very easy to rejoice!  Today the snow and cold came back, but I am still rejoicing in the sweet memories of the last week.  Attending church Wednesday night was so encouraging, singing hymns, listening to prayer requests, and studying God’s Word!  I was able to go to a restaurant, yummy!  Then for the first time in 3-4 months, I went to the mall and Barnes and Noble.  I was not healthy enough to go to the mall or stores at Christmas time and really missed the shopping and atmosphere!   It is so easy to rejoice when things are sweet, but God wants to hear us sing and rejoice during our trials too!

The book of Philippians has been my favorite Bible book to read and study; it comforts and challenges me to be happy in the Lord all the time.

November was a difficult month, physically and emotionally.  Tim and I both saw a downturn in my health.  My nurse was watching to see if this was the beginning of the end for my body to slow down and then start to shut down.  There was a two-week window when I thought I would never leave the house and start the dying process.  During that time God cheered my soul and I wrote how God was encouraging me, but we didn’t reveal my poor health.  God was giving me peace in the midst of the winter storm!  Then this past two weeks, my physical health seems to revive a little.  Philippians 4:4.   Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice!  

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:7

Living in Michigan, we joke about being flexible, because of the weather is always changing.   Living the Christian life joyfully requires flexibility, too!  We must Trust and Obey, Count Your Blessings, and Abide in Thee!  God is Good all the Time!  I can testify that whether I was full of energy, or preparing to die; God was so real, close and comforting me each second. Two old hymns kept flowing through my mind, “Moment by Moment” and “Day by Day”!  God’s Word, Hymns, and my Loved Ones continued to give me hope and peace.  Thank you again for all of your prayers, cards, meals, and treats!  Content to be watching the snowfall and the trusting birds outside my window!  Are you trusting God today?

Wendy