Strength and Work (Stress 5)

In continuing my thoughts on stress, or rather how to deal with stress,  I want to think about the promises God has given us through his word - two verses in particular.

Nehemiah 8:10 
For the joy of the Lord is my strength

and

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

The word 'strength' in the first verse there means: a fortified place; figuratively, a defence: — force, fort fortress, rock, strengthen, strong (hold).  It refers to a place or means of safety, protection, refuge,  fastness, harbour.

When we focus on the joy of the Lord we find that we are fortified, strengthened and we find refuge, a safe harbour for our souls. 

When we contemplate the fact that God is talking all the factors around us and weaving them together for good.  We can rest in that safe place.  

The bible and the gospel message were not intended to be complex and only understandable by the learned or super intellectuals.  It is simple truth - and that's is the same for today's thought: God's joy is part of the fruit of his Spirit in our lives (Gal 5).  As we give time to the Spirit and allow fruit to grow in our lives, and as we remember that God has a great plan to work things out for good and as we lean on him instead of our own understanding and skill it will help us release the stress of situations. 

Even in the darkest of times the joy of the Lord will be our strength.  Even in the hardest of days there is hope, and a relief for the stresses of this life. 

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