The Dwindling and Fading of Purposed Joy...Renewed!

I have prepared my "Joy" for the day, 

or at least that is how I like to look at it.  

But even our own preparation is sometimes not 

enough to stop the dwindling and fading of 

purposed Joy without Him.

This morning, I got up early, 5:20 to be exact.  I am not, by any means, patting myself on the back since I have only done this successfully twice this week.  However, I will celebrate because I DID GET UP! That in itself is enough to give me the extra boost I need today.  I made it to the gym, took a shower, fully dressed myself, and took my vitamins.

I should be good, right?

All is perfect as I am sitting here on the couch typing away on a blank page with my Bible open as its words drop into my soul like a heavy weighted anchor that expands when it hits the water.  I am feeling full and joy is rising.  This is my time.

But despite this quiet and peaceful morning I am having, feeling clean and prepared for the day...I know I will encounter struggles before I lay my head back down.  

My little boy will follow me around all day saying, "Mama, hold you?"

My middle child will not hear me when I speak no matter how loud I say things or repeat them as I look deep into his eyes to make sure his understanding is sure. 

My oldest will have a hard time with his English assignment and I will have to walk him through the process of learning to write and put thoughts on paper, correcting his grammar, his punctuation, his spelling, and his attitude. 

I will need to run a few errands with three kids in tow. 

I may forget to eat...or if I do remember to eat, my child will decide he needs a diaper change right then, otherwise he will take off his diaper and do it himself. 


Even though my joy is at a peak right now in this moment of...um..zen, I can hear the shuffling of little feet in the hallway and it is about to begin.  

My joy will begin to dwindle...my patience will grow thin... But this I know for sure... When I ask the Lord to give me peace throughout my day to keep me secure and full, to give me long-suffering and patience, to go before me and take me with Him, He never fails.  

So I am going to lock this fullness in by praying.  I will pray for you too!


Dear Heavenly Father, 

Go before us today.  Wrap your arms around our emotions and hold them secure.  Keep our minds fixed on you and not our circumstances.  Let our eyes continue to see the blessing in every battle we face, no matter how big or small.  

Fill us with your Joy and let our hearts overflow with gratefulness for all You have done in our lives.  Strengthen us for the day, no matter what it brings.  Hold our heads high in confidence as we walk through a materialistic and lustful world.  Help us to keep things simple and learn to say no to the things that weigh too heavy on our shoulders.  

We take refuge in You today.  Spread your protection over us. 

We trust You to fight the battles for us as we fix our minds on You and all that You are!

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for JOY.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." -Psalm 5:11