God us like our gentle giant. It is His joy that gives us strength. He is also our rock and fortress in time of need. He can fight for us and hold us within His loving arms in the same breath. Where do you look for joy in time of need? In Nehemiah 8:10 NIV we don’t have to look because it lives within us; “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.””

I look at this photo by Ray and see strong tree branches with no clearing in sight. I can imagine our fortress with God to have a barricade like this one. One so strong and deep that nothing can cross. Where do you run to in time of need? In Psalms 18:1-2 NIV we don’t have to run, we can simply look up and speak His name; “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

On this Finish Friday who or what battle are you fighting? What tactics is the Satan scheming to take your attention off your joy, strength, rock, and refuge? Ask God to deliver you. While you wait, find Joy in a strength only a loving, Heavenly Father and gentle giant can offer.