Time rewound and there I stood, in a New York City apartment, fellowshipping with others and singing praises to God in Holy Spirit song. The JOY of the LORD washed through the room and cascaded through us.
It was 1972. I was in New York for a work-study program at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, the summer before my last year in nursing school. Somehow, God connected me with other born-again believers while I was there.
Walking in the Spirit was more lighthearted then…before the cares of jobs, marriage, family, and world events tried to snuff out the flame and fire of Jesus in me.
More recently, years of despair and grief over the living loss of our estranged daughter and three grands, and ongoing concern for unbelief and trials in our family, has left my soul and spirit isolated and flat. Sharing with others and several visits with a counselor brought insight, yet the despair remained. Was there no where I could find relief even though I was doing the “give it to God” thing? Then, a precious miracle touched me.
I sat on the couch in the dark and quiet one night after dear hubby retired, and opened a social media post I’d been sent. Another post automatically flipped up and caught my attention. The heavenly song, You are the Almighty God, by Nikos Politis of Thessaloniki, Greece, poured out of my phone and deep into my heart. I played the song over and over, stretching to learn the words and sing along. Pure joy filled and radiated from my spirit as I overflowed with praise.
The next morning, tears washed my face as I explained the experience to my husband. And about the tangible connection I felt to the Holy Spirit…like I had in 1972. The Spirit met me in the depths of my despair, pulled aside the veil in my spirit, and lifted me in holy joy.
“I don’t want to leave this place,” I cried to my husband. “This, this is what I wanted for our family. To be together and worship in the joy of the LORD.” Not just in the rituals and platitudes of expected church behavior, but in the sheer delight of personal, holy, vibrant joy. Jesus calls us to His higher place, to grow and dwell in His Kingdom.
What a demonstration of the LORD’s faithfulness to us! In my weariness of battle and waiting for answers to prayers, that night and since, the LORD showed/s up to reveal His goodness. His peace has remained. He is trustworthy to care for all my loved ones.
It has been so many years since I’ve sensed the freedom of the Spirit in this way. The way I believe we are meant to walk. It has nothing to do with me or my ability or my spirituality…it is all a gift Jesus holds out to every person individually…a vibrancy of life, different than the day to day. In an ongoing season of prayer and trusting, I want to be that person…filled to overflowing with the joy of the LORD.
~~~
LORD, that our family and all could experience You this way. Bring us into community to walk in Your Spirit openly with others whose lives are like ours…who need You desperately and can find solace only in You. Let us lift one another up, be free from the enemy’s 24/7 assaults, and breathe Your Presence. Revive us, again!
Thank You that in our trials, YOU NEVER LEAVE US. All of Heaven’s armies are here to battle for us. WE ARE NEVER ALONE. Let us walk with You every step, every day. Please, Holy Spirit, continue to show us how. Thank You, LORD Jesus. In Your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25 NLT
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” Ephesians 5:18-19 NLT
Dew Upon The Arbor 
Get The Promises of God pdf and download it
Then, pray it back to Jesus every day
He will bless you with peace, love joy, encouragement and strength.
Being a care giver I have walked your walk for twelve years and it was what caried me through extremely difficult and painful times
Things have turned around last year but it is still not easy
The Christian life was not meant to be easy but our experiences are meant to encourage those coming up behind us.
I know this from both sides of the coin
If you need someone to talk with I am here for you sister as others were there for me
🥰
Besides, there has always been a soft spot in my heart for nurses.
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Thank you. Our God is so good! God bless you! 🙏
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He has, He is and He always will because He is a loving Father
May the sweetness of Jehovah’s love bless you and your family every day.
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Thank you so much! Yes! This happiness is the joy that wins in the sorrow. Blessings! 💞💐
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This filled me with praise! At just the right moment, God comes in, filling us with more of His Spirit. May we all seek to walk in this beautiful and peace-filled place. Beautifully written.
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Thank you, Kathy. God is so amazingly good. And yes…at just the perfectly right moment! I love His surprises! Blessings! 💞💐
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Halleluiah!!! Give gives us exactly what we need when we need it. I just spent a day with my estranged brother. And while I never got to share faith, it was civil, and I had the most unbelievable peace.
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Oh, June! I am so thrilled for you! Praise God! I’m rejoicing with you. Love and blessings. 💞💐🎉
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