Day 18: The Joy of the Lord
Finding strength and hope in God’s joy
1/30/20254 min read
"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)
Reflection
Joy. We all desire it. We chase after joyful moments, seeking experiences that make us feel light, happy, and content. But joy is much more than a fleeting feeling—it is a state of being, a deep and lasting condition that does not waver with circumstances. The joy of the Lord is not a temporary emotion tied to our external realities; it is an unshakable assurance rooted in who God is.
In Nehemiah 8, we see the people of Israel gathered to hear the Word of God after the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. As Ezra read from the Law, the people were filled with deep sorrow, probably because they were reflecting on their past disobedience and how far they had drifted from God’s commands. But Nehemiah, instead of allowing them to be consumed by grief, redirected their focus.
The joy of the Lord was not just a comfort in that moment—it was their strength. Their history, mistakes, and even their current struggles did not change the fact that God was with them, rebuilding not just their city but their identity as His people. And the same is for us! No matter what we've been through, God will rebuild our identity and we see ourselves just as He sees us.
Joy Is More Than Happiness
Happiness is circumstantial. It comes and goes with life’s events—getting a promotion, hearing good news, or enjoying time with loved ones. But joy is the deep-seated confidence that God is with us, no matter what.
Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, which means it is not something we manufacture on our own; it is something we receive from God when we abide in Him. That’s why Paul could write in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Even in difficult times, we can rejoice—not because of the pain, but because of God’s presence in the midst of it.
What Steals Our Joy?
If joy is a fruit of the Spirit, why do we sometimes feel like we’ve lost it? Many things threaten to steal our joy—grief, disappointments, unanswered prayers, waiting seasons, hardships, and even unhealed wounds from our past.
The enemy would love nothing more than for us to focus so much on our struggles that we forget who we are in Christ. When joy fades, it often reveals that we’ve shifted our focus from God’s sufficiency to our own inadequacies. The Israelites grieved when they heard the Law because they were confronted with their failures, but Nehemiah pointed them to something greater: God’s faithfulness to restore them.
James 1:2-3 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Trials don’t remove our joy; they refine it.
Choosing Joy as Strength
So how do we cultivate joy even when life feels hard?
Abide in God’s Love – "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." – Zephaniah 3:17. The more we bask in God's love, the more our joy remains unshaken.
Separate Joy from Circumstances – Life will not always go the way we expect. But our joy isn’t based on what happens to us; it’s based on who God is. His love, His salvation, and His presence are constant.
Rejoice as an Act of Faith – The word rejoice comes from joy. It means putting joy into action. Even when things are tough, rejoicing is a declaration that we trust in God’s sovereignty. Paul and Silas sang praises in prison (Acts 16:25), not because their situation was good, but because their God was good.
Focus on Gratitude – When we intentionally look for things to be grateful for, joy begins to rise. Gratitude shifts our perspective from what’s missing to what’s present.
Allow Joy to Shape Your Response – People who carry joy respond differently to life’s challenges. They extend kindness even when they are struggling. They refuse to let bitterness take root. They walk in peace because they trust that God is working, even when they can’t see it.
The Joy That Cannot Be Stolen
God’s joy is not fragile. It does not shatter under pressure. It is resilient, steadfast, and a source of supernatural strength. When Jesus endured the cross, He did so “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). That joy was rooted in God’s eternal plan of redemption.
Today, let’s choose to embrace that same joy. The world may shake, circumstances may change, but the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Take time out today to dance and bask in God's joy in you. Celebrate God's complete work and His presence in your life.
Father God, I thank You for the joy that is found in You. Even when life is difficult, You help me to anchor my heart in the unshakable truth that You are with me. Thank you for Joy! For helping me live in Your Joy. Teach me to rejoice in all circumstances, to choose joy over despair, and to trust that You are always working for my good. Let Your joy be my strength today and always, and let me radiate this joy everywhere I go. In Jesus’ name, Amen