Message
The world defines joy as a feeling of happiness based on favorable circumstances. But the joy of the Lord is much deeper. It is a spiritual strength that remains constant regardless of what is happening around you. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that is rooted in the knowledge of God's love and faithfulness.
Nehemiah 8:10 says, "...the joy of the LORD is your strength." When you lose your joy, you lose your strength. The enemy knows this, which is why he tries to steal your joy through worry, fear, and discouragement. But when you are full of the joy of the Lord, you have the stamina to keep going even when the road is rough.
How do we maintain this joy? By staying in the presence of God. Psalm 16:11 says, "...in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Through prayer, worship, and meditation on the word, we can tap into this reservoir of joy. Joy is also found in obedience. When we do what God asks us to do, there is an inner satisfaction that nothing else can provide.
Sharing the gospel and serving others also brings great joy. There is a special kind of gladness that comes from being an instrument of blessing in the lives of others. When you see a soul saved or a life transformed through your effort, your joy is multiplied. Joy is meant to be shared.
Beloved, don't let the problems of life weigh you down. Choose to rejoice in the Lord always. Count your blessings and focus on the goodness of God. As you intentionally cultivate joy, you will find that you have the resilience to overcome every obstacle and the grace to enjoy the journey of life.