31 Days of Biblical Truths, Christian Living

Put on The Joy of The Lord

I like my coffee strong.

No mild roast comes in these doors. No light colored brew hits my cup. Darkness all around with a splash of almond milk and a sprinkle of sweetener, and I am ready to take on the morning.

…but I am not really ready to take on the morning, nor even the day.

Weariness has been my friend for awhile. Sometimes I blame my lack of sleep. Other times I blame my diet. Most times I blame a chronic illness. The blame-game is easy, but no one wins when there’s only one player.

Sometimes I blame The Father. I question the thorn in my side that’s been with me for the bulk of my life. Is it a gift, a curse, or something in between? I say that these thorns are suppose to humble us, but I am humbled into the ground at this point and the strong coffee is not enough to get me through the day, either is any change in diet or exercise routine. I have had enough of this fatigue and am waiting for the thorn to be pulled out.

Ephesians 6:10 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

We are called to put on the armor that God has provided us. We forget that the battle isn’t always on the field, but inside our own beings. Fighting against ourselves is often the worst enemy. The darkness tried to overcome our minds and bodies, but we think we can only fight against a tangible enemy.

I know these truths as do you. We fight a common enemy and make excuses in our defeats. How do we get past these lies and self-righteous behaviors? Sometimes I just don’t know and do give up, but I know that’s not the right direction. We need to grab that armor and keep up the fight every day.

Nehemiah 8:10

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength

Joy. That’s the answer. Putting on that armor despite weariness because we have the joy of the Lord is the key. His joy is our motivator and sustainment.

Joy. That's the answer. Putting on that armor despite weariness because we have the joy of the Lord is the key. His joy is our motivator and sustainment. Click To Tweet

I arm myself with that strong cup of coffee each morning, but I also arm myself with God’s Word. I read, study, meditate on His Word, and pray. Even if it’s just a verse, it prepares me no matter what opposition I may face for the day. It gets me through no matter how tired, hurt, or downcast I may feel. Joy intertwines with my daily life despite the diverse attitudes that like to seep in. Join me in grabbing onto His joy.

Find all posts from the series 31 Days of Biblical Truths here.

4 thoughts on “Put on The Joy of The Lord

  1. Coffee always makes my gratitude list. I will most certainly join you in grabbing onto His joy! ❤

  2. Oh my! Fighting against myself is definitely my biggest enemy! Thanks for the reminder that finding joy in the Lord is a great weapon!

  3. Fatigue, coffee and Jesus…. oh how familiar they all are. Most grateful for Jesus, my Bible, AND coffee. Dear sister, it is always a blessing to visit your blog. Have you had blood work done lately? Sometimes women suffer from anemia which can cause fatigue, (and they have no way of knowing with out blood test).

  4. “Putting on that armor despite weariness because we have the joy of the Lord is the key. His joy is our motivator and sustainment.” Amen!

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