“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”-Nehemiah 8:10 (NASB)
There are times when the joy of the Lord comes in such a way that it is hard to explain. Sometimes it comes in quietness. Sometimes with laughter. Sometimes with tears. Sometimes it seems to fill the whole room.
I have experienced this in private times with the Lord and also when believers are gathered together. His joy can become contagious. Others are drawn in, and suddenly what began with one or two people becomes a room filled with prayer, worship, salvation, healing, and people being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 tells us that the Realm of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy is not something separate from His Presence. It is part of the life of the Holy Spirit in us.
Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. I have often thought about putting on the armor of God every day, but I am beginning to see something else:
The joy of the Lord is as necessary daily as the armor of God.
Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is fruit of the Spirit. Acts 13:52 says the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 connects believing God with joy, peace, hope, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
This tells me that joy is more than having a good day. It is more than circumstances going the way I want them to go.
Joy comes from Him.
We can be walking through difficulty and still have joy. We can be praying through something serious and still have joy. We can be carrying responsibility and still have joy.
His joy strengthens us.
His joy reminds us that He is with us.
His joy helps us keep believing.
His joy gives us hope.
And sometimes His joy simply overwhelms us in His Presence.
Final Thought
I do not want to treat the joy of the Lord as something occasional. I want to receive His joy every day. I want to live aware of His Presence, walk with the Holy Spirit, believe God, and allow His joy to strengthen me.
The joy of the Lord is something I need every day.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your joy. Thank You that Your joy is not dependent on my circumstances, but comes from You. Help me to live aware of Your Presence and to walk with the Holy Spirit every day. Let Your joy strengthen me, steady me, and keep my heart believing You. Fill me with joy and peace as I trust You, and let that joy overflow to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.