Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV
[10] Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Good Morning!
As followers of Christ, we find trials and tribulations in every day. We, however, are able to be joyful in all things because we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts and He is our strength. It is hard for non-Christians to understand this — that we can be joyful in all circumstances in our lives, but the truth is, we know that this world is not all that there is and we can take joy in knowing that the Creator of the universe holds our lives in His hands. He knows our future and we can take joy in that and have the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Many people are consumed their whole lives “chasing the wind” trying to obtain more stuff and get more in their bank accounts, thinking that the next big deal will make them happy. But as we know, there are many rich and famous people that are miserable, suicidal, drug addicts, alcoholics and have no joy in their lives. This is because they try to fill that Jesus-sized hole in their heart with other “stuff” and that void can only be filled with the joy of The Lord. Nothing else can fill that void. Nothing else will make them happy, as much as they keep on trying.
I personally know several people that have been in prison and found The Lord there and were happier being behind bars then many of those that have 7+ figures in their bank accounts. That joy can only come from God. His love for us is overwhelming and nothing can come close to have the joy of The Lord as our strength!
Today, be thankful for the joy of The Lord, that He can bring us through all circumstances with joy and let our joy be contagious to others so that they too will find the peace that surpasses all understanding in their lives.
I love you and am praying for you today!
Dad
Psalm 119:143-144 NLT
[143] As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. [144] Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
[16] Always be joyful. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 143:8,10 NKJV
[8] Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. [10] Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.