Joy is a deep and enduring state of our soul that no circumstance, event, or human can steal away from us. It’s delighting in God and choosing to rejoice in all circumstances. When you are not ruled by your circumstances, you can remain in an unexplainable place of contentment. This doesn’t mean you are always in a “good mood” or that you are happy about a bad situation, it means that joy will not allow misery, sorrow, sadness, or despair to rule your thoughts or guide your actions. In happy or sad times, in comfort or difficulty, you can find joy in the presence of the Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. It seems like it should say the strength of the Lord is our joy. But as always God got it right. Because the ability to find joy in this life really takes tremendous strength. The type of strength that we can only get from the Lord. We have joy only when we look outside ourselves to Christ. Focusing on Christ, who He is, what He has sacrificed, and His promises, brings a supernatural joy that can’t compare with temporary happiness. To be happy, something good has to be happening. Joy stays with you in spite of what’s happening. Joy satisfies the heart in a way that temporary happiness never can.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11) NIV
“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)
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22)
Joy of the Lord brings peace. This peace comes from a deep well of confidence that God is who He is and that He will do what He says He will do. Peace isn’t tied to circumstances. True inner peace can only be found through a relationship with our Father and from resting in His promises. The next time you’re struggling to find the peace that we all so desperately seek, try taking a step back, breathing, and opening yourself to God. If you get caught up in everyday stresses, meditate on the promises of God. Our Father has a deep desire for us to know what joy and peace truly are, even in times of trouble. What we choose to do when we are going through is up to us. We can focus on the problem or we can focus on God, knowing that every crisis, every storm, every tragedy is an opportunity to trust Him. Love and Blessings
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) NIV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
” Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties.” _C.S. Lewis
EMMANUEL 