Reclaiming My Middle Name

My middle name is Joy. I've always liked my middle name. I especially like it because I was named after my Aunt Joy, who is a wonderful woman. But as of late, I've really realized the importance of having God's joy in my life. I'm reading (very slowly) "When I Don't Desire God" by John Piper. It's a really great book and I can't flip too many pages without writing down a verse or something really thought provoking. This Sunday morning, I really felt the need to stay home from church and worship, read, pray, and dive into the Word on my own with God. I took some time to read Piper's book and pages 38-39 really grabbed my attention. The heading of the section is called, "A Good Fight". You can go to download the book, as well as many others, by clicking on this link: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/.

Fighting for joy in my daily life is so important. I've really struggled with it lately though. I haven't wanted to be involved with anything. I've faced many struggles lately that have pulled me down and quite simply, I haven't wanted to fight because I'm tired. But what I've realized and been reminded of, through Piper's book, is that I need to fight for joy because I have victory in Jesus Christ and I should not let the enemy get me down. I've realized that fighting for joy comes from God's strength, not my own. It's also important to realize that I'm not suppose to carry my burdens. It says in Matthew that Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light - life is not suppose to get me down and I'm suppose to cast my anxiety on Him and I'm not to worry about tomorrow. When talking to my mom on the phone on Saturday night, she asked me, "Are you being paid to worry?" Perhaps that sounds a little silly, but her point rang loud and clear. I am to trust God with the burdens of this life and by doing so, I gain hope and peace from that. Piper makes the point that it's okay to fight for joy because it is acknowledging that I am weak and need God's help. By doing that, Ill only gain God's strength as a result. Lastly, Piper remarks that it is good to fight for joy because God is glorified and honoured.

Another aspect of what Piper wrote struck me, in response to James 1:12, which says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God promised to those who love him". Piper wrote in reflection: "The person who will receive the crown of eternal life is the person who successfully endures trial - that is, the person who fights for joy in pain of loss and gets victory over the unbelief of anger and bitterness and discouragement." I think that says it all.


A few verses I've really held onto lately are:

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation."
-Psalm 51:12

"Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love."
-Psalm 90:14

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance."
-Romans 5:3


"In Me" by Casting Crowns has been a huge encouragement to me, spurring me on to keep fighting because it reminds me of Christ's love and power. He sustains. He is love. He is my joy and my salvation. Thank you, Lord, that I can claim your joy every day. Help me to reclaim it when I'm weak and to delight in your joy always. I will forever be grateful, Lord.

I'll go, but I cannot go alone
Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me