The Joy Of The LORD Is My Strength
Joy, contentment, happiness, gladness.
All similar words and arguably interchangeable. But what do these words mean to you - really? You can use them to describe a temporary blissful moment or your life.
In our world right now, there is so much hate, bitterness, and despair pounding down on us. It is easy to be sucked into it. But what if we choose joy? What if we choose not to allow the world, social media, politicians, or celebrities tell us where to place our happiness and we choose God, who is the source of joy.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." -Galatians 5:22-23
Did you catch that? There is no law against these things. No one can lawfully take your joy from you.
But you can let them take it from you.
I remember my grandpa affirming this many years ago for me. I was having some issues with a friend and he told me to not let them "steal my joy." I remember it vividly, standing in my grandparents' living room, about to leave, and him reminding me in a firm but gentle tone while hugging me good-bye.
The story of Nehemiah is famous for it’s scriptures about joy.
Nehemiah, previously a cupbearer for the Persian king, led the way for restoration of the Jewish people and reconstruction of the wall in Jerusalem after Babylonian captivity. He had to strategize against threatened attacks while building the wall, negotiate with Persian leadership, and struggle against opposition from all sides.
Once the city of Jerusalem had been restored, Nehemiah, now the governor, Ezra, the priest, and the Israelite people were gathered to listen to the Book of the Law of God. Ezra read the words aloud, and many began to weep hearing them. At this, Nehemiah encouraged them saying;
"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. this day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10
Although a quite different scenario, I cannot tell you how many times I recited this scripture while in graduate school. Even now, right when I wake up I tell myself this promise - that the joy of the Lord is my strength.
In another well-known chapter of the Bible, we are reminded there is a time for everything.
"He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for than to be happy and to do good while they live."-Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
Is there a better way to live? It seems so simple - to be happy and do good. Yet, we make it so complicated.
It can take an average of sixty-six days for new behavior to become "automatic." What if we woke up every morning and decided to be happy and do good, no matter our circumstances? What if we allow that joy to affect others in a positive way? How much better a world we would live in?
Will it be a walk in the park to do so daily? No. We will still be tested and our faith will be stretched.
"Consider it pure joy, my brother and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."-James 1:2-3
New rejoicing comes every morning (Psalm 30:5). I challenge you to begin waking up praying and giving thanks and let God's peace and joy find you there (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Steffany Gretzinger has a song called "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus."
Part of the chorus sings:
and when I'm old and grey
and all my days are numbered on the earth
let it be known in you alone
my joy was found
That is my prayer for my life.
Where is your joy found?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.