The Source of My StrengthScripture: Nehemiah 8:10b
“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Thought for Today: What does joy mean to you and what role does the second fruit of the Spirit play in your daily walk with God? Some people think of joy as an emotion that is activated by their feelings. Others equate joy with happiness. Numerous scriptures in the Bible describe joy as a virtue that God gives to His people. The joy that God provides is gladness, contentment, rejoicing and peace that is anchored in your faith in Him alone. This joy cannot be found in people, work, money, possessions or even in church attendance. It is found only in your personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Following a period of despair in my life, I experienced the restoration of joy and I testify to you that “joy comes in the morning!”
Yes, the Lord did it! He restored my joy! The word tells us “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b). There is a strength that grows in your soul when you choose to receive the joy of the Lord. God’s great joy defeats sadness, sorry, despair, despondence and even depression. So even in the midst of the storms and stresses of life, you can anchor your faith in God and experience the joy of the Lord. He will fill you with His joy in you and that joy will give you the strength to move forward.
How will you know that you have His joy? When troubles come, rather than drowning in them, you will rise above them by singing a song of joy. And the joy of the Lord will lift your spirit, restore your soul and He will be your strength.
It’s Time to Pray: Dear Lord, You alone are the source of all joy. Make your joy complete in me today. I declare that You alone are the source of my strength and the strength of my life… Amen!
