The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Dedicated to Kari Joy Rankin

By Rev. Dean Beaty 4/10/09

Psalm 16:8,9,11 “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (KJV)

I have a special friend whose heart is very weak.

Yet the joys of the Lord are the main words that they speak.

Through many years I’ve learned that those who’ve suffered most.

Have the greatest words of love for the Heavenly Lord of Host.

I’ve preached in nursing homes packed with wheelchairs.

You would think that that’s the place to hear of woes and cares.

But the Christians I’ve known there have the joy of the Lord.

And speak most readily of the blessings God’s outpoured.

This phenomenon’s not new; just think of poor ole Job.

Missionaries tell me that it’s true around the globe.

I think I’ve put my finger upon the cause of this.

The time they spend in prayer is not work but becomes bliss.

The longer that we spend in the presence of our God;

The greater is the depth in which our hearts are awed.

With that truth well in mind just think what it will be

To dwell with Jesus Christ for all eternity.

Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”(KJV)