The Joy of the Lord

I've been told by countless people, and countless times by my OB doctor how strong I am. She even mentioned that some nurses and others at the hospital were commenting on how strong I appear to be through everything, the diagnosis and early c-section and good recovery afterwards. She said that she told them I was a rock. That I've always been that way through all this pregnancy, sort of laid back and just took things as they were.

I'm often speechless, I don't feel like "a rock" or "strong." I do take things as they are because I know Who's in charge, and Who to lean on. Nehemiah 8:10 says "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." I guess I never really understood what that meant before, or thought about it much but I have to say, I've felt very joyful through all this (other than the throwing up and being nauseous part from weeks 9-32). I was honestly relieved to find out that Matthew had trisomy 21. After having a child with tetrasomy 9p, trisomy 21 seems like nothing. And as nervous as I felt having to have a c-section at 34 weeks I was also somewhat prepared and still comforted by God. Prior to calling my doctor that Monday night I was reading in Romans where I had left off the previous day.

Included in my scripture reading that day was Romans 8, and speaking to me specifically were verses 26-27:

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

and 28:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

and 31-32:

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

and finally 34:

"Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."

When I read these words, I knew. I knew in my heart what might very possibly lay ahead that night. And I knew that if I was right, I would be okay. God works for the good of those who love him. Amen! I have been blessed with another precious gift. I in no way deserve to be entrusted with another life but I have been. :) And there is LOTS of joy in that too!

My strength is from God.

I'm not a rock but I do personally know The Rock.

And I choose to trust God's written word when he says all things will work for the good of those who love him.