The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

I love my ministry with the women from the abortion mill who choose life rather than abortion. There are a couple I am following on a regular basis that are so precious to me. Lately I've started sending them a Bible verse each day, whatever the Lord lays on my heart (or is it lies on my heart? I can never keep those straight.) Anyway, this is the verse I sent to one of them yesterday:

Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." 

This young lady(I will call her Lee) has had struggles with her mom, who doesn't believe in Jesus but Lee does. It has caused a great deal of conflict between the two. As a mother myself, I always counsel that Lee seek to find peace and forgiveness and gentleness with her mother. After all, Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners, willing to extend forgiveness to the worst of us! We must at least try to emulate His love and forgiveness. Lee does try, but it is not easy as her mother derides her belief in God. Lately, the relationship has been badly strained to the point where they were not seeing or speaking to each other.

At any rate, when Lee received my text with the verse from Nehemiah, she texted back instantly.

"Great scripture!"

 I told her, "Yes, I know. Sometimes my only strength is in the Lord."

She wrote back, "It talks about eating choice food. I'm about to go to my mom's house for dinner."

This filled me with joy. Things must be on the mend (for now) if she is going to her mom's for dinner. However, I know that she struggles mightily to maintain the peace, and this dinner would likely be no different. Like so many things we all face, we will never succeed on our strength alone. I reminded her that this day is sacred, as the verse tells us, and to find strength in the Lord.

It amazes me how God orchestrates so many details in so many people's lives. How funny that of all the verses I could have sent yesterday, that would be the one. Unbeknownst to me, it was the absolute perfect verse for my friend to meditate upon. God shows us He is trustworthy in so many miniscule ways. It behooves us to pay attention, and to trust Him. How could we doubt knowing He is there and cares deeply for us, when He proclaims His presence so often and in so many details of life? Indeed, as the verse reminds me, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

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Isaiah 40:31 

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:13 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:6-7 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 18:32-34 

The God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

1 Chronicles 22:13 

Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

Hebrews 4:15 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.