The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

During the three years that our first born son was in and out of the hospital with various infections, that verse was a life line to me. The other day I came across the song that is based on that verse. One of the stanzas says, "To have this joy, I must praise for it."

Does God really expect me to priase him, even when it's the last thing I feel like doing? I guess that is why it's called a sacrifice of praise. If I could just learn to do this more, it would make life easier. I started writing a "thank you, God" journal. At the end of each day, I try to write at least five things that I'm thankful for.

Psalm 18:1, 2, 28, 29 - 33

"I love you, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer:
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop,
with my God I can scale a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect:
the Word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is a Rock besides our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
my God turns my darkness into light.

With your help I can scale a wall.

These verses were among my favorites when we were in the hospital with our second son and also later when I was trying to cope with his death. I will add some more whenever I get around to it. Tomorrow Alayna and Kara are coming and I'll be busy getting ready for Christmas.