Danny was one of the strongest men I ever knew.

He wasn’t physically imposing, his personality didn’t take over a room, he didn’t demand anything from anyone.

But, he exuded joy.

He never met a stranger, because the word “stranger” didn’t make since to him. He was an instant friend with everyone. He was a faithful friend to many. He listened with compassion, questioned with curiosity, and spoke with sincerity.

He made you laugh because he was funny, he made you smile because he was full of joy, he made you feel important, because to him, you were.

There is a Bible verse that says “…the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Another Bible verse from hundreds of years later says about Jesus, “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross…”

These verses deserve way more time than I can give them here, but understand this.

Jesus saw you through the cross. 
He endured it for you.

You are His joy. You were worth it all.

If you know Him, He is the source of your joy.

That joy of the lord, is your strength, it allows you to press forward, persevere, and overcome.

That kind of joy gives you a new way to see.

You see through the pain to the healing
You see through doubt to assurance
You see through the rebellion to the prodigal coming home.
You see through all that life throws at you, to the moment you will meet Jesus face to face.

The Joy of the Lord is our strength.

Danny was a Christ follower, he walked close with Jesus. Danny shared grace, practiced service, and demonstrated love. The joy of the Lord was evident in his life. That joy was Danny’s strength.

If joy equals strength. Danny was one of the strongest men, I ever knew.

I hope you get to know someone like Danny. More than that, I hope we all become more like Danny.

Most of all, I hope the joy of the Lord will always be your strength.

-Tom Wise