Joy

Joy Again...Can't say enough about JOY!  Learning to walk in Thankfulness and Joy will change us and those who are touched by our lives.

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks unto him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Looks like Giving Thanks is pretty high on God's list since he had the psalmist say it twice. :0)
Getting mired in 'ask mode' with God or 'bless me' mode or 'bless my kids' etc. can be quite easy.  I have to remind myself to take time to bless his name.  "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe."(1)

In darkness one night, afraid, words trickling through my consciousness, a conversation with my Dad regarding fear....when he was afraid, he would run into the name of the Lord. "How do you do that?" my little hand wrapped around his finger as we walked together.  The simple reply, "Lord, I choose to run into your name right now."  My little girl heart was satisfied.

Fifteen years later, terrified, between my sheets; thoughts run awry, my heavy comforter not giving me solace, in faith I said, "Jesus, I run into your name, whatever that means, I choose to run into your name."  The sweet presence of God filled me and my room. Waking in the morning, rested and safe, I blessed his name.

1. Proverbs 18:10