I've got the joy of the Lord flowing over in my soul
I've got the joy of the Lord bringing me peace
There is no shadow of doubt that His love can't cast out
I've got the joy of Lord living in me


I have tried so many times to begin this devotion. It flits from one framework to another so quickly; I wonder how God can ever use me for such an honored purpose of devotion writing. There have been so many verses He has shown me to help me conquer fear, laziness, and depression. Contrast this to the moments when I stand in awestruck wonder of how He accomplished a good work in such a timely manner. I am constantly praying for God to help me solve my problem instead of working harder on my own.

Probably because I've already worked so hard at it, it has become a huge pile of junk that I could never hope to put together to represent a glorification of God's wondrous hand.

December is usually a time when I can reflect on the previous year as I begin to write friends and family a yearly recap of our household.  2011, though, has brought chaos to my life and mind.  I have struggled with purging unnecessary items in order to manage medical supplies for my daughter.  I have only one place where I have been successful at creating a clean look and it's about 1 foot square.  I stare at it for brief moments, trying to figure out how to extend it throughout the entire house.

As I continue to think about the many changes I have had to adjust to and will be expected to make in the coming year, it becomes overwhelming.  Tears come for past grief and sorrows.  They are actually a relief to my being as I turn my thoughts back to what God has done for me and I know will continue to do for me.  This year hasn't been an easy one but it has been a character building one.

I listened to an old CD this morning and the son "I Got The Joy" by Wendy Foy Green of Sierra came on.  Its upbeat tempo perked up my spirit and reminded me of the simplicity of God's love toward me.  Asking Him for help only helps me recognize again my need to be in connection with Him now and in the future.  If I lose this aspect of my life, despair is all I see.  Yet when His word comes into view, I am reminded of how deeply He cares for me and wants to help me change in my heart so He is able to use me to bring Him glory.