Where to Find Strength and Joy When You Can’t Muster It

by Andy Lee

The longest days of my life were when I was a stay-at-home mom with babies. I loved my children (most days), but the hours seemed to creep along like turtles trying to cross a road. The first years in this role as a new mom no longer donning work clothes, having a reason to put make-up on my face or brush my hair, were lonely, quiet days.

Honestly, I was miserable. About a year into this new season, however, I realized I could use my time more wisely during my daughter’s nap. Rather than doing the dishes or watching “The Young and the Restless”—which I was—the Lord dropped this nugget into my spirit, You could do Bible study during nap time.

Game changer my friends.

Game. Changer.

Life didn’t change completely, but I discovered something powerful. When I began to dig into the ancient words, I found joy. I found strength. Hour by hour, day by day, year by year, this became my secret place. I would spread my Bible and whatever study I was doing all over my dining room table, light a candle, and pour me some Joe. I have no doubt looking back that those years of hiddenness, years of loneliness and feeling like I was not doing anything special, were years of preparation. While I was raising my children, God was raising me.

It’s been thirty years. I’m now an empty-nester and first-time grandma (Bubbie), but the need to find joy and strength in the Word has not changed. That is where I go for my joy and strength when I can’t muster it. I confess that I can’t choose joy. I can’t make it well up in me, but I know where to find it. Look at this wonderful scripture in 1 Chronicles. David has just brought the ark of the covenant back home. They are dancing and singing thanking the LORD (YHWH) for His faithful covenant of love.

In His House or at His Feet?

“Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among the peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared (worshiped) above all other gods. For all other gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and joy in his dwelling place” (1 Chronicles 16:23-27 NIV).

There is a wonderful meaning hidden behind our English translation of “dwelling.” The Hebrew word is Maqom (MAW-KOME). The root of this word means “standing place.”

I love that.

“Dwelling place” is lovely, but “standing place” puts me right at His feet. If I’m simply where He dwells, I picture myself in His house. But if I’m where He stands, I’m right next to Him. I’m in His Presence. Honestly, if He is standing, I see myself on my knees bowed as low as I can go. Something happens when I get on my knees, my face to the ground.

If you are running near empty in the joy and strength department, place yourself next to him–His standing place.

Do you need some strength and joy? Would you pray with me? Grab my hand.

“Lord, our lives are so loud and hectic. We thank you for all the people and blessings that make the noise during our day. Sometimes even the quiet is loud. But when we feel our strength waning and our joy fading please help us get away, if only for a moment, to a place all alone (even if it’s the bathroom with the door locked). Let us fall on our knees right at Your maqom, Your standing place. Recharge us with Your joy and your strength. We love You. Amen and Amen.”

Where do you feel the Presence or standing place of God? Do you receive joy and strength for the day when you’re there?