Let the Joy of the Lord Be Your Strength

“… Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  – Nehemiah 8:10

Joy can feel elusive. For all the wreckage of the world around us, the struggles we’ve faced, and the worries for what’s ahead, it’s easy for joy to get lost in the shuffle. But I’ve made it my mission this year to track it down and pay attention, especially in those areas where it may seem like joy wouldn’t show up. Joy is my word for the year, and I’ve wondered what it would look like to experience joy despite my circumstances. To be anchored to the Lord in a deeper way. How the joy of the Lord could be my strength, draw strength from understanding who He is and how He invests in my life, no matter what.

Life isn’t a litmus test for our joy—that’s a lighter happiness, based on situations and emotions. Joy draws from a deeper well, one full of the Living Water of Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin and death and given us new life and a home with Him. That should fill our hearts with joy and awe. When we are facing things we’d rather not, the love and kindness of God can help us endure. 

Look for the joy around you, wherever you are. Joy can appear small—a sunrise, the smile of a loved one, steam rising from your mug of coffee—all that joy leads to the Lord and makes a difference in our hearts and minds.

The joy of the Lord is our strength. We have the God of the universe with us, personally, protectively, filling our hearts with hope and hard-won truth that our days are in His capable hands. His presence comforts us, inspires us, and settles us. And a deep-nestled joy in our spirit knowing we are walking in step with Him changes our perspective in faith-filled ways.

**

I’m over at Crossmap talking about finding joy. Would you join me there?