The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength: Embraced by God’s Amazing Grace

By Jane Ann Derr

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH
Embraced by God’s Amazing Grace

Jane Ann Derr’s passionately interwoven true-life stories are filled with suspense, human failings, and hope. Examples are given to show the power of prayer, writing daily journals, studying the Living Word of God to daily glean the power to overcome dark times, hardships, financial loss, troubled relationship issues and still have peace with God. She also addresses discovering the nature of the Triune God, finding the big picture concepts in the Bible that will simplify our daily walk with God and our Beautiful Savior Jesus Christ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973676980

Jane Ann Derr

Jane Ann Derr is also the author of Trailblazing with God describing her family’s fascinating adventure to Ghana, West Africa in the early nineteen sixties during the backdrop of political upheaval in America and Africa. Her second book, God’s House! Beautiful! Let’s Go! describes her husband’s last words, his illness, the hospice at home, his death, and the grief and resolve of her life as the one who survived. But her real interest is in the goodness and mercy of God. She has won poetry awards; written songs and written for national publications. She currently resides in Kernersville, North Carolina. Her website is: christianreading.com/jderr and her email address is: [e-mail]. “Through story and song Jane Ann Derr illustrates how God again and again turns mourning into joy. In deeply personal ways, she reflects on human struggle and victory within the context of God’s never-failing love and she invites us to go do the same. Both those confident in their faith and those who doubt will find encouragement here.” Martha Farrar Highfield Phd RN is Professor Emeritus of Nursing at California State University/Northridge, serves on the Board of International Health Care Foundation, volunteers in Nigeria and Haiti, and is author of a forthcoming book on Church of Christ missionary nurses.

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THE JOY OF THE LORD

IS OUR STRENGTH

EMBRACED BY

GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

Jane Ann Derr

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Copyright © 2019 Jane Ann Derr.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7699-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7700-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7698-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019915756

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/29/2019

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

The Net Bible®, New English Translation Copyright (C) 1996 by Biblical Studies Press, L.l.c. Net Bible® is a Registered Trademark The Net Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright (C) 1997 By Biblical Studies Press, L.l.c. All Rights Reserved Satellite Imagery Copyright (C) Røhr Productions Ltd. and Centre National D’études Spatiales Photographs Copyright (C) Røhr Productions Ltd.

New Testament in Modern English-Phillips 1958: The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.

Contents

What people are saying about Jane Ann Derr’s Books

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Preface

Introduction - The Big Picture

Psalm 139

PART ONE

GOD’S OMNISCIENCE

Chapter 1 From Chaos to Calm —Psalm 139:1

Reflections

Chapter 2 The Invisible Hand of God — Psalm 139:2

The Deserted Graveyard

Reflections

Chapter 3 Surprised by a Sudden Storm —Psalm 139:3

Reflections

Chapter 4 The Dawn of a New Day —Psalm 139:4-6

A Tribute To Susie Derr

The Anchor Of The Soul

God’s Way

Reflections

PART TWO

GOD’S OMNIPRESENCE

Chapter 5 The Mercy of God —Psalm 139:7-12

In the Valley of Decision

Reflections

PART THREE

GOD’S OMNIPOTENCE

Chapter 6 The Eternal God Formed Me —Psalm 139:13-16

The Way of Peace

Reflections

Chapter 7 Response To God’s Greatness & Grace —Psalm 139:17-18

Reflections

PART FOUR

GOD’S HOLINESS

Chapter 8 Mysteries and Secrets —Psalm 139:19-22

Reflections

Chapter 9 My Breath-Taking Experience —Psalm 139: 23-24

Embraced by God’s Amazing Grace

Reflections

PART FIVE

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY WITH JOY

Notes

Resources for Further Study

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

What people are saying about Jane Ann Derr’s Books

God’s House! Beautiful! Let’s Go!

"In God’s House! Beautiful! Let’s Go! Jane Ann Derr has told us more than we have a right to ask. She has let us into the world of her marriage, her family, her work, her loss, her fears, and her happiness. She has let us into her faith in God and her devotion to Jesus Christ. She has let us into her husband’s illness and death, and into her grief and resolve of her life as the one who survived. But her real interest is what she has seen of the goodness and mercy of God."

Stephen Broyles

Author of The Wind that Destroys and Heals

I have known Jane Ann and Harold Derr for many years . Jane Ann’s faith and prayer-life stand out as she relates Harold’s suffering and death. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who are called upon to pass through this valley of shadows.

Neil R. Lightfoot

Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Abilene Christian University; author of How We Got the Bible. Third edition Revised and Expanded and Everyone’s Guide to Hebrews.

For Harold and Jane Ann, the journey has been exceedingly fruitful. I predict that as you read this book, you will cry, you will laugh, and you will be encouraged. At least, that’s what happened when I read it.

Gary Chapman

Author of The Five Love Languages and Love as a Way of Life

The title of this book is God’s gift to those of us who need just a peek through the curtain. Although Christians are to live by faith and not by sight, Harold Derr’s description of his final vision is compelling evidence of the land that God’s people have talked and sung about for so long.

Charlie Walton

Author of When There Are No Words

I highly recommend Jane Ann Derr’s book for anyone who has lost a love one. The theme of the book is to point us to an eternal life with Jesus and she has done that in a masterful way.

Grace J. Farrar, Widow of Dr. Henry C. Farrar

Author of Stand By, and See What The Lord Will Accomplish

The Story of One Family Serving the Lord in Nigeria 1964 – 1967

PRAISE FOR THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH

Jane Derr’s thoughts flow from a loving heart, a Biblically grounded mind, a deep humility, and a truly disciplined life. Jane is exceptional in all matters pertaining to faith, Godliness, and a desire to encourage. Jane writes with a firm confidence in God gained by successfully passing through life’s crucibles. However difficult the experience, Jane writes with the profound joy of the Lord as her strength.

Dr. Allen D. Ferry, D Min.

Reflections of Grace; Christlike Men & Women Who Influenced My Life

Author & Friend

Through story and song Jane Ann Derr illustrates how God again and again turns mourning into joy. In deeply personal ways, she reflects on human struggle and victory within the context of God’s never-failing love and she invites us to go do the same. Both those confident in their faith and those who doubt will find encouragement here.

Martha Farrar Highfield Phd RN is Professor Emeritus of Nursing at California State University/Northridge, serves on the Board of International Health Care Foundation, volunteers in Nigeria and Haiti, and is author of a forthcoming book on Church of Christ missionary nurses.

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength takes readers on a journey into faith riveting stories of perseverance and provides inspiration to Christ followers. This book is awe-inspiring and absolutely a refreshing testament of Harold’s and Jane Ann’s faith, commitment and dedication of service to the Kingdom through several decades.

Washington J. Johnson

Retired Army Officer

Thank you for writing yet another book instilling the importance of faith! You are a special woman with special talents. You and your family have inspired me deeply as well as my family. Your perseverance and commitment to so many people continue to be miraculous and God’s calling. I continue to wish you and your family success! You truly are a special blessing! Thank you for sharing your interesting stories and providing positive encouragement to so many people with your knowledge and beautiful spirit.!

Paula Campbell

Delta Flight Attendant, Owner of POliviaDesigns

I have completed the reading of the manuscript you shared. Thank you for sharing with me, so I could once again have the gift of your wisdom. For those who know you and your family, or your life journey, it’s a review of shared history, experience, and blessing. For those who never knew you, it’s a testimony of the guidance through your life of our Heavenly Father. Your book is uplifting and encouraging, meant to be studied slowly to allow for meditation and absorption. I praise your including of so much Scripture.

Dianne Summers

Mother, Grandmother, Elementary Teacher (retired), Bible Class teacher, Caregiver, Grief Ministry, Crafter

In The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength Jane Ann Derr’s candid writing of her own struggles through pain, disappointment, and even emotional collapse lead us to desire the same life preserver that was her salvation. Her strong relationship with God, developed over many years of Bible study, prayer, and soul-stretching service have led her to a place of joyful confidence. Very thoughtfully, she has left a roadmap for us, a book with many helps for our own spiritual journeys. I think I am a better person for having read this book, and I think you would be, too.

Patti Mattox Bryant, author

Truly, Jane Ann captures so much in her life’s journey experiences of what it means that the joy of the Lord is her strength. She knows it and lives it. As a mentor, dear friend, and sister-in-Christ, we have shared with each other many joy-of-the-Lord-strengthening insights and praises until the early hours of the morning. Those times built me up and strengthened me in the Lord, and I cherish them. I recommend heartily her latest book, The Joy of The Lord is Our Strength – it will not only bless you, but bless you with the Lord’s joy and strength.

Latrelle Elliott,

Bible teacher, Shelter Ministry

September 2019

Dedication

John Albert Derr

1JOHN.jpg

In Loving Memory

John Albert Derr

December 7, 1958 – August 21, 2016

Gracious Servant

Acknowledgements

To God: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

To my precious husband, Harold, for experiencing life with me on our fifty-five-year-journey as a team. Thank you, God, for sending him my way. You knew he was the perfect one for me.

To all my five precious children, my beloved friends, who have each helped me in their own unique ways.

To Deborah, who labored endlessly over many hours on the edits, and her husband, Kevin who was always available and willing to help with all my house maintenance needs as well as listening and encouraging me. I could never have completed this without both of you.

To Diana, who traveled from Hawaii to North Carolina to spend three weeks with me, visiting, encouraging, and helping with my technical needs. your visit was a breath of fresh air and helped immensely. Thank you.

To Janice who traveled from Colorado to North Carolina many times to organize, computerize and summarize my edits, and to Tim, her husband who wisely helped with many editorial issues. you are both a great treasure to me.

To Cathy who made many trips to visit me from Tennessee along with her husband Mark. Thank you both so very much. You helped me in many weak areas of my life. Your valuable time, and wise advise was much appreciated, as well as the equipment to help my fading eyesight and Cathy’s last trip to make sure i was able to complete this book. Thank you both.

To John, my precious son, the gracious servant, who was always ready to help me. Thank you, God, for allowing me to have him for fifty-seven years. I will always miss him until we meet again in Heaven with Harold and our beautiful savior Jesus Christ.

To all my precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You all amaze me! Fifteen grands and nineteen great-grands! Thank you, God!

To my parents, Loran and Luetta Critchlow, my brother Jack, and my aunt Ruby. Your love, caring, and sacrifice has forever impacted my perception of love, mercy, grace, patience and long-suffering. Thank you, God for the great gift of my parents and family.

To Tonie and Susie Derr, my precious in-laws. You loved me as the daughter you had always wanted. Thank you God for this great gift.

To all the many saints who God brought along side of us to show us what it means to be a Christian. You have personally encouraged me often after the passing of Harold and of John. Thank you, God for this great blessing.

To all the saints in many churches in many different States who have prayed for me, encouraged me, and read my manuscript, I thank God, for sending you to me to teach me God’s wisdom.

To Pastor Rob Decker at Triad Baptist Church: I thank God for allowing me the five-year opportunity to listen weekly to your Bible-based, expository sermons, elegantly delivered with clarity and simplicity. Your prayers and other acts of kindness helped me complete this book. With deep humility and gratitude, I thank you for reading the entire manuscript and mentioning The Joy of the Lord is our Strength in a sermon and using the empty picture frame as an illustration. Thank you.

To all of my great health care providers especially Dr. Charles P. Richards at Piedmont Retina Specialists in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and all of the people at the North Carolina State Services for the Blind. You all were so kind in every way. I thank God for sending all of these people to help me.

To Dr. Allen Ferry for his part in patiently editing this book. In my discouragement, you taught me the gift of laughter. Thank you, God for sending him my way.

To my gracious, kind, patient, loving neighbor, rumiana, who spent many hours teaching me new computer skills. thank you God for my wonderful neighbor.

To all the people at West Bow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, you have patiently waited for this book to give birth. I appreciate everyone who has helped. Thank you God for choosing them to be my publisher.

To all the readers, I appreciate the time you are investing in reading this book. I pray you will be encouraged to see how God took my blunders and turned them into blessings. Then you will know, if he did that for me, He will also do it for you. God is faithful.

Preface

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH

In 2011 I started writing this book. I lived alone in the middle of the woods. My husband had struggled furiously to restore a forsaken rundown house into a home. After many years, he succeeded in transforming it into a beautiful special retreat. We had looked forward to this after fifty-five years of fast-paced challenges.

As we worked together, we overcame unbelievable obstacles while trying to acquaint people to Our Beautiful Savior, Jesus Christ. God gave us the opportunity to testify the Good News to our five children, to people in the jungles of Ghana, West Africa, to people in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey, to people in the outskirts of Death Valley, California, to people in the back hills of middle Kentucky, to people in the historic quaint beauty of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and in the foothills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains which is part of the ancient Appalachian chain.

Shortly after our restored special retreat was completed, Harold, my husband, developed cancer, went into hospice care in our home and died in the sunroom where I had been writing.

After Harold’s death, I developed an unquenchable desire to ask why. In my reflective moments, I was drawn to search deeply into the subject of prayer. The pages in this book will tell what happened as I muddled through my lonely journey and craved solitude.

In my journey through grief, I have written a book about our family’s missionary work in Africa. That book has been published as Trailblazing with God: Learning to Walk on the Water (Longwood, Florida: Xulon Press, 2008).

I have also written a book about our specific journey with grief. That book has been published as God’s House! Beautiful! Let’s Go! (Longwood, Florida: Xulon Press, 2011).

After my books were published, I still had a restless spirit. My daughter Deborah suggested I