This Joy that I have...

The joy of the Lord is my strength! We hear people say that all the time in and out of church but what does it really mean to have the joy of the Lord? Is it when you’re happy and smiling? Is it when you feel like jumping around and laughing? What does it really mean to have joy?

I have always thought of joy interchangeably with happiness. If everything was going great in my life, I had to have joy, right? But then that line of thinking meant that when things weren’t going right then there was no room for joy.  But I have discovered through my faith walk that when God gives you joy, it’s not temporary. It’s not based on circumstances but it’s based on relationship.  In Nehemiah 8, the Israelites have just returned to Jerusalem from captivity and they are gathered together to hear the Word. The priests were there interpreting what the people were hearing but they all started crying. They had been disconnected from the Word for so long that they mourned.  Nehemiah tells them in verse 10 “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” So in verse 12, “the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.”  Notice that the people had to not just hear the Word but get understanding and once that happened, there was joy!

I love reading the Psalms because they are so poetic and seem to address most of the situations I face in my life. That’s mainly because David went through a lot of situations in his own life. And he was real about his struggles!  Psalm 16 is a great example of David seeking God for a safe place, for instruction. But one of the key verses in that whole chapter is verse 11. He says “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” I love that because it tells me that if I want to get the best out of my life, it can only come from being in His presence. We have to walk with the Lord daily, seek His face and just rest in Him and He will give you joy. Does anyone want the fullness of joy? I know I do!

Philippians 4:4 reminds us that we should always rejoice in the Lord! You see, God is faithful and He knows the end from the beginning. He knows about every situation that you face. And that’s why He has given us His Word. So that when we struggle, joy is always available.  Need confirmation? Look at John 15:11 where Jesus says “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” God wants us to be joyous. He doesn’t want us to walk around burdened down.  “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit!” (Romans 14:17). God’s joy is something that no one can take away from you.  Whether you’re broke or rich, rejoice because God has blessed you with life! Don’t let anyone steal your joy. And if you feel like you don’t have any, take it back! Look to Hebrews 12:2 - 3 and remember Christ who is the best example we will ever have. “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (NLT) Jesus looked beyond the cross to the joy that was waiting and is now seated in honor! Now that’s something to rejoice about!

May God’s joy fill you to capacity as you go throughout your day! AMEN