228 – Josie’s Dilemma and Josie’s Faith

November 9, 1986

Josie is looking at her marriage with clear eyes, she says, for the first time. She keeps hoping everything will work out. I am looking for a glorious healing in Jimmy, a revival of their love, and a significant ministry to other hurting people. It’s either my idea or God’s. I’m going to believe it is His and pray it.

I am learning something from Josie. She keeps clinging to God. When she is shaken, when there is darkness all around, when the circumstances are overwhelming, she keeps confessing His sovereignty and she wants His will. It is an encouragement to me.

She went to church with us and we were praising God in the morning and at night –through dance, singing, loud noisy shouts, wonderful songs and psalms—with the body of believers. It was glorious.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness…. Isaiah 61:10

Let them praise His name with the dance…. Psalm 149:3a

Praise lifts the spirit of heaviness and everything looks bright and new again.

Jesus gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Isaiah 61:3 paraphrased