First, when we choose to act and respond in ways that bring joy to God we will find strength!
‘Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law. Then Ezra said to them, “Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.” So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be worried.” Then all the people went on their way to eat, to drink, to send portions [of food to others] and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been communicated to them. ‘
Nehemiah 8:9-12
Even when you just got some pretty tough message to receive, lean into God’s Word and God’s promises and find your strength in doing and responding in a way that will bring joy to God for the joy of the Lord is our strength! Let’s be the dads share with those in need! Let’s be the dads who do not worry because we know that by living in ways that bring joy to God will give us strength and He is our stronghold! Let’s be the dads choose today to celebrate God in the thoughts we have, the words we speak, and the actions we take!
Second, God’s plan is so great and when we let the process complete we will be complete and lacking nothing!
‘Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. ‘
James 1:2-4
Even when we are facing trials and tribulations, we are called to consider it pure joy with assurance! Let’s be the dads who are assured that the testing of our faith through life experiences produce endurance that leads to spiritual maturity and inner peace! Let’s be the dads who allow endurance and perseverance to finish its work in order to produce its perfect result and do a thorough work in us so that when finished we will be perfected and completely developed in our faith, lacking nothing!
So this is the day that God has given us, so let’s rejoice and be glad in it!
‘This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the L ord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. ‘
Psalms 118:24
