Did You Hear About . . . ?

I know, I know—I already posted once tonight. But when you learn of a secret that's meant to be shared, don't you ache to share it? Actually, this secret has been out for a while, but sometimes it is what's hidden right in front of us that takes the longest to find.

How many times do we wish we had a power-boost button to push? For believers, it could be the solution is as simple as the search for the proverbial spectacles. ("Oh, lookey, they're on me head! 'Magine that!" <sheepish grin>)

Paul said he had learned a secret. A secret that led to "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

Here it is: "The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

Selah.  (That is a Hebrew word used often in their poetry and psalms that means "now think a minute about what was just said and let it sink in before you rush on to the next phrase")

Now just in case you didn't Selah, I'll say it one more time: "The joy of the Lord is your strength." In the Greek, the word translated "rejoice" from Paul's letter is "chairos." It means to "rejoice, be exceedingly glad, to thrive." To thrive.

"Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and joy are in His place." (1 Chronicles 16:27)

"But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness." (Psalm 59:16-17)

Do you get it? Are you GETTING THIS? This is huge! I have learned the secret!

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"...always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father..." Ephesians 5:20

"...strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father..." ~ Colossians 1:11-12

Give thanks >> choose and receive joy >> renewed strength...to do all things!!

Wow.

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