"Be joyful always"

I was lying in bed, reading a great book by Stormie Omartian titled: “Praying God’s will for your life”.
In it, I read “Be joyful always” (Thessalonians 5:16). Those words danced in front of me. As I thought about them, I smiled and started thanking and praising Jesus for how He makes me smile and causes me to sing and puts light in my eyes even in the midst of very trying circumstances! Who else can do that?!
I then looked over to my colorful quote box, I put my hand in and you won’t imagine what I found! It said:

“Do you know that I see every tear, I feel every heartache, I understand every trial? I understand it all, and I have the antidote too. So please don’t hesitate to tell Me whenever you feel a bit down, okay? I will send whatever will fill the void, and relieve that little trial or ache or unpleasant feeling –for it is My desire that you are happy each and every day. –Jesus”

Wow! I know He loves me but He makes me stand and stare in awe every time He lets me know once more!
Not only is He with us through all of life’s trials, but He gives us peace in the middle of the storm. When my heart could break into a million pieces it’s only Him who holds it together and helps me to believe that everything is in His hands and that He will work things out for our greater good. On top of that He goes out of His way to make me happy throughout the day. He always does so, it’s just that many times I fail to notice.

While thinking about this, I remembered that talking to Kevin last night my mom came over and told him: “It’s so good to see you smiling and happy!” To which Kevin responded with another of his adoring huge smiles and said: “There isn’t a reason to not be happy!”
Now mind you, Kevin was coming out of a fever right then and his nose was clogged. He can’t walk for the time being and has just been able to use his arm again after wearing a cast for 2 months. He’s away from his friends, he’s cooped up in his room, he can’t go out to work or help around the house like he usually does; and being the helpful, outdoor, people person, go-getter that he is, this would make it especially difficult and would be reason enough to wear a frown. But instead, Kevin chooses to smile, to be joyful always. He chooses to look at the fact that he’s with his parents and younger brother, he has true friends and loved ones who love him loads and are praying for him, he’s making the most of his time by pressing in on school. And he’s garnering riches and treasures from the cave of this experience that he knows he probably wouldn’t gain any other way. He walks with a happy tune playing in his heart, which then comes out of his lips and encourages many. He encourages me tremendously!

“Be joyful always” yes, Jesus tells us to be so but He never asks us to do anything alone.
It’s amazing that He gives us every reason possible to be happy and grateful. Feel your heartbeat for a few seconds. It’s rhythmic and beautiful. I’m sure you can have many other things to be joyful about. Jesus says that He loves you and has a grand purpose for your life. He says He’ll help you fulfill your dreams. And He won’t leave you alone, when everyone else walks out He stays there, as He always has, and gives you the courage to start again.
He doesn't just give us strength through the joy of the Lord, but He gives us the strength to be joyful always.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10