Nehemiah 8:10b, KJV: “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The people had just heard the words of the Lord and wept at what they heard as they understood what God was saying. Yet, Ezra told them not to. He told them to have joy. Why? The joy of the Lord is their strength.

This life of disability and chronic illness has taught me that joy is a precious, precious gift from God. Should you visit my home, you will see the word “joy” throughout much of the decor as a reminder of His precious gifts and the gift of joy.

Please do not misunderstand. We will have other emotions and feelings. We will go through times of despondency and hardship. All of that will come. Yet, God gives joy in the midst.

Think of Paul and Silas singing in prison or Job praising God in the worst of circumstances? They had joy. A couple years ago, I began a study on “joy, rejoicing, worship, and praise” that I hope to complete sometime soon. Scripture is, quite literally, filled with joy.

Where do we find this joy?

• In His presence. Psalm 16:11, KJV: “¹¹ Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
• In His Word. Jeremiah 15:16, KJV: “¹⁶ Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”

When can we find it?

• When we accept His salvation. Isaiah 61:10, KJV: “¹⁰ I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
• When we praise. Psalm 71:23, KJV: “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.”

How often can we have joy?

• Today. Psalm 118:24, KJV: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
• Always. Philippians 4:4, KJV: “⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Joy. It is so important in our daily journey. Without the joy of the Lord, days are bleak and weak. God gives this incredible joy. He is an awesome God. May your day be blessed and filled with joy!