Tuesday, October 9, 2007

The Beauty of Joy and the Strength it Brings


Her little hands held tightly to the edge of the couch as she turned her head to look at the one who was calling her name. Wobbly legs held her as she let go with one hand to turn and look at His smiling face. "Come on, you can do it! Daddy is here. Come on." Those arms outstretched made her tiny heart beat a little faster. She wanted to be with her Daddy. The look on His face made her want to please Him. And at His bidding she forgot all about her fear of falling and she let go of the couch.
Her actions brought joyful laughter to her Daddy's face- she grinned in anticipation as one step at a time she got a little closer to Daddy's arms.


For many parents this is a moment they will never forget. The first steps of their child. The pride that swells in each heart is the same for all parents. It is as if the joy and pride of the parent gives strength to their little one. Strength to step out and do what has never been done before.

There have been many times over the years in my relationship with God that I thought I could never do what He was asking. I would look up and think, God I am not strong enough to do that.
And then I would "see" His smiling face and the feel the joy He took in me as His child- and strength would start to rise. His joy in me became the strength I needed to move on. If Daddy asked me to step out-then He knows that He has already provided the strength.

The Joy of the Lord is my strength!

Nehemiah 8:10
................................. for the joy of the LORD is your strength."


For more information on the weekly Carnival of Beauty please go over to Vitoria's site Windows to My Soul.

12 comments:

Denise said...

Amen, I find my true joy in my Father.

Daisy said...

Lovely post!

Sandi said...

How so very true. We do step out and if we fall down we get up and try again. There is just something about the Father calling and encouaging that says it is ok.
Love the blog. Just found you today and I know I'll be back.

Vicki said...

If any of your blogging friends would like to join the Carnival this week, there is still time to submit an entry. Thank you for contributing, my friend.

Truly the joy of the Lord is our strength.

A Captured Reflection said...

How is my Sharon doing? I saw your comment on my cousin Ally's blog and wanted to check all was OK. Been thinking of you!

Halfmoon Girl said...

You give me such great visual pictures of our Father's love.

Anonymous said...

Indeed, a lovely post.

Heather said...

Your illustration perfectly describes how the joy of the Lord is our strength. I never thought of it that way before. His joy in us strengthens us to do what seems impossible.

Anonymous said...

I, too, had never thought of the joy of the Lord this way. Thanks for sharing this story that so aptly makes a great point!!

Also, welcome to the Carnival of Beauty! Thanks for being apart of it this week.

Vicki said...

Sweet photo...aw, look at her. Came back to reread your post and am filled with joy every time. Sharon, thank you for this.

"If Daddy asked me to step out - then He knows that He has already provided the strength."

That's pure joy, knowing the Lord is sufficient for all our needs.

sparrow's song said...

Your wonderful word weavings have sweetly caused me to reflect to a time when my Father God had asked me to step out in faith. A move that would mean the change I was seeking in Him. It was a beautiful moment of growth in trust and one that brought Joy that I have never forgotten.

Well done! *applause*

Anonymous said...

a great reminder of the strength we have in knowing we bring joy to our Father which He returns to us with strength and joy. thanks. selahV