When I was little, we sang a song in Sunday School that simply repeated the phrase, “The joy of the Lord is my strength,” over and over. I have come back to those words many times in my life, and they give me comfort. Sometimes joy is difficult to maintain. We get so caught up in just trying to get through the day that we forget Psalm 118: 24:
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118: 24, KJV)
I know I forget it sometimes. I get wrapped up in doing too many things. I get down and discouraged when things don’t work out. I even have to remind myself at times that God is in control, and all I have to do is ask for His help. I don’t have to take it all on myself. In fact, I can completely hand things over to God. What a relief!
Instead of struggling, we can boldly go before God and ask him to help us and bless us. Isn’t that amazing? I find myself thinking that I don’t deserve to ask. Of course I don’t, not in my sinful nature, but Jesus has paid the price for me and now the Father only sees me through His Son. That is a huge comfort and a great source of joy for me.
I used to feel very insignificant, thinking, “How can God be bothered with me?” Then one day it hit me. I am not insignificant in God’s eyes. He wouldn’t have sacrificed His only Son for anyone He felt was unimportant. I am important to God!
What a fantastic feeling. You are important to God too. Never forget that. Since I’ve come to understand this, my joy is far greater. Even when life is hard, even when things continue to go wrong, I know it will all work out because God cares what happens to me. He cares what happens to you too, and I hope that taking time to remember that will bring you joy and comfort as well.