Jesus says "COME TO ME"

God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3).  God is definitely present when we praise and worship in spirit and in truth.  In God's presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11).  We are filled with joy as we praise Him. Psalm 51:13 says "Give me back the joy that comes when you save me(restore to me the joy of your salvation) Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit(and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me"

While thinking upon Proverbs 31:17 which says "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."  My King James Version Bible says "She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms." I like the King James version as it uses the same language that is used in Ephesians 6:14 (spiritual warfare passage) which says "Gird your loins with truth." It is talking about a battle in which we must be strengthened for.  I see this passage not as a physical strength but the type of character her life will need to face the difficulties ahead. It is a call to preparation as "gird up" alludes to the custom of gathering the long flowing garments into the girdle and tightening it before exertion.

When I think of Ephesians 6:14 which shays gird your loins with truth. I think the truth in God's Word and God's Holy Spirit illuminating our mind to the truth that Jesus spoke is our true source of strength.

I am definitely seeing a connection between praising God, God being present in those praises, and the joy I received in His presence. The joy of God's presence is what strengthens me and allows me to work vigorously with all my might. Joy gives one energy for every task that needs to be done (mental, physical, spiritual).

Scriptures for Proverbs 31 Study
Proverbs 31:17 - She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.

Nehemiah 8:10 - Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.

Observations:
1.  Joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
2. A willing and eager heart comes from time in the presence of the Lord which gives rise to praise, then joy and then strength to do the tasks you have to do
3. Work with all our might now so that God may be glorified and lifted up.

Application:  Many times, we want to just get going with our day to accomplish everything on our list.  Yet Jesus says "Come to Me"  He does not just say to do more or to not do something. He says Come to Me.  We are to come to Jesus. Our part is to praise Him and to sing of His goodness. He is enthroned in our praises.  In his presence is joy forevormore. Because of this joy of the Lord, we are given strength to accomplish taks.  We are kept strong in the joy of the Lord as he continues to give and sustain the willing spirit.

When my son wakes up, one of the first things I say after I lie down by him is "Today is the Day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." I desire to have more of the joy of the Lord as I know without this joy I do not have the strength, tenacity, eagerness, willingnesss, or vigor I need in order to accomplish the work the Lord has prepared for me.

The application step I want to take is to praise God throughout my day in whatever I am doing. I want to sing of His goodness and love.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you simply say "Come to Me". I need the joy of the Lord in order to sustain me. I do pray that you keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me. I don't want to just have a schedule or list of household chores or menus. I want your holy presence to reign as I sing praises. I want my house and my heart to be a holy sanctuary.  Thank you Lord that in your presence is joy forevormore.