It started with a prayer request text from a friend before Christmas which said, “Maybe we could pray for each other that our JOY will not be lessened by expectations of others which is always a struggle for me.” I responded, “How ‘God’ because I was praying that I would have joy and peace during the holidays. Enjoy the moment knowing you are who God wants you to be.”
A few weeks later we met for coffee and both said our prayers were answered. We talked more and both agreed how “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” As the Lord often does, He confirmed that ‘joy of the Lord’ through hearing not one, but two songs within a forty-five minute time frame on that radio that echoed those words. I was in awe of Him and looked up the lyrics of both songs and shared with my friend.
What exactly does the “joy of the Lord is my strength” mean?
Theopedia.com defines ‘joy’ as: “a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope.”
Bibleproject.com defines ‘joy’ as: “a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises and it’s a joy that is long-lasting and life-giving.”
We know that happiness can be fleeting, usually based on our feelings or circumstances. True joy is not based on our circumstances but rather is based on the Lord and His presence in our lives. Joy is contentment and a hope that no matter what, God’s presence in our lives makes everything okay. Joy is trusting in the goodness of God and His promises that never fail.
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You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. –Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
The Psalmist knows that God’s presence equates to joy. God is always guiding us and showers us with all that we need to live in harmony with Him. He delights in walking with us which brings us to the fullness of joy; not being dependent on our circumstances.
But about the Son [Jesus] he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” –Hebrews 1:8-9 (NLT)
God is just and dislikes evil. God sent His Son, Jesus, to walk with us on this earth. How beautiful it is that God anointed Jesus with the oil of joy because of what He endured for you and me. Upon Jesus is the ultimate amount of joy that we can tap into.
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Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. –Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
What a powerful Scripture! Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, endured one of the most difficult of circumstances, death on a cross. Even through that shame and all the suffering, Jesus experienced true joy, joy knowing that God, His Father, was walking with Him as He was obedient, even to death.
Nehemiah said, “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 (NIV)
The Jewish community that Nehemiah was in charge of realized the error of their ways in rejecting God and His laws. They came to their senses wanting to live in obedience. Nehemiah told them to enjoy the goodness that God provided and to make sure they shared with those who had nothing. It was a new beginning for them as they started to live in holiness. They had cause to live in joy, because God is joy, and living in joy in right relationship with God brings strength.
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The joy of the Lord is our strength! May you find strength and power in God’s joy—joy that is not dependent on your circumstances but on God’s faithfulness.
Be encouraged this week to…
… live in God’s presence which equates to joy–not your circumstances.
… share in Jesus’ endless amount of the oil of joy.
… reflect on Jesus’ joy found in His cross.
… rely on the joy of the Lord’s strength, His faithfulness, to get you through the most trying times.
REFLECTION:
When did you see the joy of the Lord’s strength that helped you through a difficult time?
What promises do you need to be reminded of to live in joy?
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. –Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
