Oh Father, my Father. I simply want to say thank you for joy. It is an amazing gift to have joy in the midst of tumultuous times.

This joy, however, is not as a result of the dire circumstances and challenges we face today, but rather in the consolation of knowing that you can make it all better and not only that you can, but you will, if only we learn to tap into the authority we have within us, through you.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

In the midst of our sorrows, you bring us joy. When I am surrounded by frustration, uncertainty, fear, anxiety and what appears to be a relentless problem that will not go away, your joy carries me and gives me strength to endure.

You bring me joy!

“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” Philippians 4:4-5 MSG

When life challenges you to focus on everything that is wrong, settle your heart and mind to focus on what matters most and think on those things. If we be honest, life has never been easy, but somehow you made it through. Only now, you have the promises of God to help you get through. Move with Him, not against Him so that you find peace in the midst of crisis. The joy is not fictitious- it is assurance and trust in Jesus that He sees, He knows, and He will lead you beside still waters.

Oh yeah, brace yourself through the storm.

Don’t let this storm take you out. It’s only for a moment. The storm is where you learn how to persevere so go ahead and cry. Get situated, lay down the anchor of hope, take down the sails, put on your life jacket and ride out the storm.

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭MSG‬‬