Nancy Taylor Tate: "Maintaining Our Joy"

From the Desks of Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith:

The Christmas season can be a very joyful time of the year for us...but it can also be very hectic and stressful in all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. For others, this can be a difficult time as they reflect and miss loved ones as well.

In all the above, it's so important that we remember why we celebrate Christmas and our true source of JOY...and Nancy Taylor Tate reminds us of this in her recent word:

Joy, happiness and contentment flow from knowing the Lord and living in right relationship with Him. Circumstances and material things can be an added blessing, but they are not the source of true inner joy and peace...

That is so, so true! Read the rest of Nancy's heartfelt article...as it will greatly bless you during this season in experiencing the JOY that can only come from Him. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

In Christ,

Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith, Co-Editors
Elijah List Publications

Thank you for making the always-free Elijah List Ministries possible. To partner with us, click here.

Your donations truly help us keep these emails free for you. Donate at:

Give a Monthly Gift

Training Our Minds to Look for the Good

Have you ever noticed how our thought life can affect our joy? There is always that which we can give thanks for if we will but look for it. We can train our minds to look for the good, to see the cup half full instead of half empty.

One thing I have been giving thanks for is our new dog sitter. Our former overnight sitter was moving, so we had to find someone new. Finally, we found a beautiful family who could take good care of our little Jethro. It seemed like a good fit, but we knew that being with children and another dog would be an adjustment for him. Yet, we felt the change was good and could be fun, if Jethro could just make the adjustment to a livelier household. We decided to give it a try.

As I explained the situation to our prospective sitter, I could feel their compassion. Then, of all things, Jethro had some stomach problems the day before he went to their home. Again, I felt their compassion and commitment. They wanted Jethro to come! They would take good care of him. How very blessed we felt!

Jethro whimpered as we drove up to their house to drop him off. But was he ever happy when we came to pick him up! He and their dog ran up to greet us like best buds. The children were sad to see him go. Jethro was wagging his tail; he had become a part of a new family!

Each time I think of this, it brings me great joy! Then I thank the Lord again for His faithfulness in helping us find someone right for Jethro, and perfect for us too.

A friend pointed out to me that one of man's first responsibilities was to name the animals. As we try to take good care of Jethro, the feeling of also pleasing the Lord brings even greater joy! (Photo via Pxhere)

Where Joy Flows From

Scripture tells us that joy is good like medicine: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones" (Proverbs 17:22).

"...[F]or the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Or, as the Good News Translation puts it, "...The joy that the LORD gives you will make you strong."

Joy, happiness and contentment flow from knowing the Lord and living in right relationship with Him. Circumstances and material things can be an added blessing, but they are not the source of true inner joy and peace.

Responding to the Goodness of God

We have been singing a song which Toni Bogart-Syvrud wrote in 1976 in response to the goodness of God in her own life, as she reflected on the things God had done. The words of her song come from three Scriptures:

"Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!" (Psalm 31:19)

"I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:1-3)

"Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee." (Song of Solomon 1:4)

While at home, my husband Allen often sings this song, then inevitably I ask, "Allen, would you sing that again?" Each time, the words and beautiful melody minister! What joy there is as we sing the Scriptures over and over and reflect on the goodness of God!

As we think about the Lord and His abundant goodness, may we too give thanks to Him for all the things He has done in our lives. As His plans and purposes continue to unfold, we can trust the Lord in all that is yet ahead!

How faithful is our God! How abundant is His goodness!

"Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!" (Psalm 31:19) (Photo via Piqsels)

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

"For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD." (Proverbs 8:35)

Poise Your Spirit and Make This Commitment

We can set the poise of our spirits:

"I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:1-3)

We can pray, also making this commitment:

"Draw me, we will run after thee...we will be glad and rejoice in thee..." (Song of Solomon 1:4)

Proclaiming the Goodness of the Lord

With thankful hearts, together, may we proclaim the goodness of God as we set our eyes to see and our hearts to remember those good things He has done. Perhaps, like Jethro, we might whimper when uncertainties loom before us. But, may we press on and find encouragement in the days ahead as we reflect on His goodness!

May we always remember that the Lord is good! His mercy endures forever! And as we do, may His presence ever increase in our midst.

"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice...and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD." (2 Chronicles 5:13)

Yes, the Lord is good! His mercy endures forever...

Whatever you do, don't miss another ELIJAH LIST email! Subscribe at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Nancy Taylor Tate
Parousia Ministries
Email: nancy@wadetaylor.org or joanne@wadetaylorpublications.org
Website: www.wadetaylor.org | www.wadetaylorpublications.org

Nancy Taylor Tate serves in Parousia Ministries, carrying the vision passed on from her father, Wade Taylor. In addition, she has established Parousia Ministries House of Prayer, hosts Parousia Ministries gatherings, and travels from time to time to speak and pray with others. Her background as an administrator, a pastor, teacher, and missionary has prepared her for what the Lord is doing today. Nancy's special gift of relating to and loving people stems from her own love for Jesus and His Kingdom. Her spiritual life messages flow into the hearts and spirits of those to whom she ministers. Nancy has an expectation for visitation and carries a prophetic word that speaks into that which the Lord is doing today. For spiritual life teachings and to learn more about the vision of Parousia Ministries House of Prayer, please visit www.wadetaylor.org.

To receive more words like this in YOUR inbox, subscribe FREE to the Elijah List at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Find us on:
* Facebook click here
* XAPiT click here