THE LORD’S JOY IS YOUR STRENGTH

THE LORD’S JOY IS YOUR STRENGTH

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

“Joy of the Lord is your strength.” Do you have the joy of the Lord? This is the second fruitful characteristic of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22— “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy… This joy is given by God’s Holy Spirit when we understand Who He is, who we are in our Lord Jesus Christ, our purposes in Him and our destination of being with Him forever in heaven.

Consider the light and the ability to see. Ponder the water of the vast oceans and fresh water springs that quench our thirst. Look at the grass, the flowers and trees. Gaze upon the heavens and consider the sun, moon and stars. Contemplate the fish of the seas and lakes. Listen to the birds and observe the animals. Consider their songs and sounds. Be amazed at the vast variety of people on this planet. Do not these things bring great joy as we consider Whose hand they come from? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcG9HApTC_Q

This joy of the Lord is our strength because we know it is He who has done all these things and to be His son or daughter brings great joy! In turn this also brings great strength as the Holy Spirit works this joy in our lives. “The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him” (Exodus 15:2). Yes, joy in the Lord is our strength! “You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely” (Psalm 59:17). Yes, let joy fill our hearts and “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Dear Father, thank You for the joy You give through Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. May I walk in joy and in Your strength today. May it be so!