Joy is a very rare treasure right now. We are surrounded by pain, uncertainties, and worries which fill us with anxiety. Even if you try to find joy or to see any goodness in anything, it has become almost impossible. And even if you find it, it’s short-lived. The weight of responsibilities, the pressure to succeed, and the challenges of daily life can leave us feeling depleted and powerless.
These are the times to remember the truth that is in the Bible, as it says in Nehemiah 8:10.
Nehemiah 8:10, NIV
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
But what does it really mean for the joy of the Lord to be our strength? And how can we tap into this divine source of strength in our own lives?
FIND JOY IN THE LORD
Nothing materialistic can give us the joy that we so much crave, because material things all fade eventually, and we get bored. The concept of finding strength in joy is not merely a superficial sentiment; rather, it’s a profound spiritual principle rooted in the very nature of God Himself.
The Bible teaches us that God is not only a God of power and might but also a God of joy and gladness.
Psalm 16:11 NIV
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
God’s joy is not dependent on our circumstances; it transcends them. It is an everlasting joy that flows from His presence and is available to us regardless of our situation.
Examples from the Bible
One of the most remarkable examples of finding strength in the Lord’s joy is Nehemiah’s story. Nehemiah was a man burdened by the plight of his people and the brokenness of Jerusalem’s walls. Yet, in the midst of adversity, he found strength in the joy of the Lord. When Nehemiah and the people of Israel were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, they faced opposition, ridicule, and threats from their enemies. Despite the challenges, Nehemiah encouraged the people, saying, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV). He understood that their source of strength was not in their own abilities or resources but in the joy that comes from knowing and serving God.
Similarly, the apostle Paul experienced profound suffering and persecution throughout his ministry. Yet, he was able to endure and even rejoice in the midst of his trials because of the joy he found in his relationship with Christ.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes:
Philippians 4:4, NIV
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Despite being imprisoned and facing imminent death, Paul exuded a sense of joy and contentment that baffled those around him. He understood that his strength came not from his circumstances but from his unshakeable faith in God.
How to Find Joy in Our Own Lives
So, how can we tap into the joy of the Lord and experience His strength in our own lives?
- We must cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. As we spend time in His presence, we will experience the fullness of joy that comes from knowing Him.
- Choose to rejoice always, regardless of our circumstances. This doesn’t mean ignoring our problems or pretending that everything is fine. Instead, it means trusting in God’s sovereignty and focusing on His goodness and faithfulness.
- Share our joy with others. Joy is contagious, and when we share the love and joy of Christ with those around us, we become channels of God’s strength and encouragement to others. For example, smiling is contagious, so why not share a smile? You never know who might need it from those around you.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The joy of the Lord is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a deep-seated conviction that sustains us through the storms of life. When we find our joy in God, we tap into an endless reservoir of strength and power that enables us to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. So, let us choose joy today and experience the strength that comes from knowing and serving our joyful God.
Susan is a mother of four beautiful babies and a born-again Christian. She took over Hope No Matter What in 2024 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Her passion is to bring hope and encouragement to others, and she prays that by sharing her knowledge and personal story, she can inspire others to find enlightenment in God's word.