this is JOY.

This morning I read these short verses and was so blessed by them. They both stuck out to me as precious promises and truth that goes so deep, it knows no bounds. 
I hope they're encouraging to you, wherever you are. I pray that God will use them to either show you His beauty for the first time, or remind you of it. 


But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. -1 Corinthians 8:3


I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -Galatians 2:20


And I read Psalm 40. One of my most favorite Psalms. When I was pregnant with Ethan, a dear friend gave me the idea of putting scripture to memory, to take with me when I went into labor; to hang onto in those deep moments of complete pain. I remember thinking "but what verses should I chose? there are so many!" and the day before I went into labor with Ethan, I landed on Psalm 40 in my Bible reading... and just knew. 
I used this passage in all 3 of my labors {I don't actually quote it out loud, but bits and pieces of it ran continually through my head, during the intense contractions} and so this Psalm has become really special to me. 

 ~ Psalm 40 ~  

 I waited patiently for the LORD; 

       he turned to me and heard my cry.

 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, 

       out of the mud and mire; 

       he set my feet on a rock 

       and gave me a firm place to stand.

 3 He put a new song in my mouth, 

       a hymn of praise to our God. 

       Many will see and fear 

       and put their trust in the LORD.

 4 Blessed is the man 

       who makes the LORD his trust, 

       who does not look to the proud, 

       to those who turn aside to false gods. [a]

 5 Many, O LORD my God, 

       are the wonders you have done. 

       The things you planned for us 

       no one can recount to you; 

       were I to speak and tell of them, 

       they would be too many to declare.

 6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, 

       but my ears you have pierced [b] , [c] ; 

       burnt offerings and sin offerings 

       you did not require.

 7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— 

       it is written about me in the scroll. [d]

 8 I desire to do your will, O my God; 

       your law is within my heart."

 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; 

       I do not seal my lips, 

       as you know, O LORD.

 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; 

       I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. 

       I do not conceal your love and your truth 

       from the great assembly.

 11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; 

       may your love and your truth always protect me.

 12 For troubles without number surround me; 

       my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. 

       They are more than the hairs of my head, 

       and my heart fails within me.

 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; 

       O LORD, come quickly to help me.

 14 May all who seek to take my life 

       be put to shame and confusion; 

       may all who desire my ruin 

       be turned back in disgrace.

 15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" 

       be appalled at their own shame.

 16 But may all who seek you 

       rejoice and be glad in you; 

       may those who love your salvation always say, 

       "The LORD be exalted!"

 17 Yet I am poor and needy; 

       may the Lord think of me. 

       You are my help and my deliverer; 

       O my God, do not delay.