Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives - I am Looking to God, Part 3

Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives - I am Looking to God, Part 3

       "Looking unto Jesus The Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:2 
       Sometimes I really need to know "the why" before I can proceed.
      Are you like that?
      So, what is "the joy that was set before Him" so that He "endured the cross?" As I pondered that question, I immediately felt a tremendous peace as I thought of His great love on the cross. God desires me to freely choose to love Him and worship Him and spend time with Him. I so believe His joy involves wanting to be with me! He so wants to fellowship with me! He wants me!
      There is a verse in the Old Testament that "popped" out and grabbed a hold of some time back. It was a sad, very hard time in my life. I felt so very alone and isolated from everyone. I could really relate to Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.
        It is Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing."
       What? 
       I read it over and over. With every thought of it, joy flooded over my soul and I again felt loved. It was certainly a very different thought than "the status quo" that overwhelmed me.
     Another verse today is Nehemiah 10:10 "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." 
      Suddenly, "the joy of The Lord" has a whole new meaning. Knowing that God joys over me with singing is enough to restore my strength. Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
       Exodus 19:4 "Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself." 
      "Lord, You mean You want and desire me and my company? And You will renew my strength and cause me to mount up as eagles and you don't want me to be weary?
      "Yes, My child," He answered. "I do."

Be blessed in The Name above every name, Jesus! I know I am!
Linda L Culbreth