The JOY of the Lord is My Strength
I recently completed an online quiz that gave insight into the type of “devotional formula” that is best for me. As it turns out, I was classified as a Word Nerd. This means that I delight in taking a word from Scripture and following it throughout the Bible for the revelation of how it is used.
The results only confirmed what I already knew. This is exactly how I enjoy doing deep dives into the Bible. It also told me that other word nerds throughout history are John Calvin, C.S. Lewis, Elizabeth Elliot, Eugene Peterson, and Beth Moore. I embraced my learning style even more since I realized I was in their circle! The teaching was to help women understand that we are all unique in the way we approach the study of Scripture, and knowing my learning style is the best way to delight in Jesus.
A few days ago, I found myself having a “blah” day. I had heartbreaking news to deal with, and I was dealing with some health concerns for myself and my husband—I just felt down. I did not like that feeling…nor did I like the realization that my happy feelings were often dependent on good circumstances.
The phrase “joy of the Lord” came to mind, as I had so often sung it, encouraged others to rely on it, and told the devil I would never let him steal my joy. Because I am a word nerd, I turned this joy subject back to the Bible. What does Scripture tell us about joy?
Any word study starts with some basic trivia information. The word “joy” appears 245 times in the New International Version. In addition, the word “rejoice” (i.e., the verb form of joy) appears 154 times, for a total of 399. That is an interesting point of information. It tells me, if nothing else, that the Bible has a lot to say about the subject.
Another important thing to know going into a word study is a good, solid definition of the word with which you are working. In English, the word “joy” is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “the passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; pleasurable feelings or emotions caused by success, providence, and the like, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire.” They also add “gladness; exhilaration of spirits; delight.” So clearly, the two concepts of knowing that things will work out in the end and being glad or delighted are connected.
As a Christian, I am fully aware that joy is supposed to be one of the nine components of the singular fruit of the Spirit. In other words, all believers are supposed to exhibit joy in ever-increasing measures. I have also seen and heard countless times that joy is not contingent on our present circumstances but a certain knowledge that everything will work out for good in the end, as has been promised in numerous places in Scripture.
Throughout this time of learning, God revealed a few lessons to help me better understand His joy.
Joy is not circumstantial.
It turns out that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” originated in the book of Nehemiah. When he talks to God’s people who have returned to rebuild the wall, he tells them to be intentional about seeking the joy of the Lord.
God was telling me that joy is never dependent on circumstances. Instead, I needed to fix my gaze on His permanent and unchanging ways. I need to keep my focus on Jesus so that when my earthly circumstances are difficult, I can fully trust God’s promises.
Joy can be found in small acts of faithfulness.
I realize that I must work at keeping my focus on Jesus. The best way I can do this is by thanking Him and praising Him for every little thing that comes my way. I can thank Him for the birds that sing outside my window. I can sing a song myself. I can pray more and read the Bible more. The key is that I am taking my mind off myself and replacing my thoughts with how God has provided such good things to enjoy.
Joy is possible, even in our hard moments.
On my blah day, I wanted to take my bad mood out on others. I was letting everything “get on my nerves.” Have you ever had days like that? I know that I have experienced many extremely hard days of grief, many hard days of caring for my sick husband, and hard days of coping with my Multiple Sclerosis. So why was I letting this day beat me down? I was indulging myself in a pity party, and I knew that I was not honoring the God I serve. That attitude only robbed me of the strength only found in the Lord.
Joy is always available.
Psalm 37:4 tells us that joy is a command. Psalm 16:11 states,
“You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your Presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
We have joy because of the grace of Jesus Christ that lives in us. That knowledge is all we need to hang onto when we are having a bad day or days. We can joyfully focus on our Savior and who He is in our life. No matter how down we are, there is always joy to be found in the Lord and Scripture is filled with examples of joy.
Think about this. The God who made the Universe and every created thing loves me and you and desires to strengthen us by filling our hearts and minds with His abundant joy. I only need to seek Him, stay focused on Him, and sing His praises.
My prayer:
God, I want to stay joyful in You. Thank You for the knowledge that You take joy in being with me. Help me focus on contentment and satisfaction found only in my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You are an awesome God who is crazy about me. Help my heart and mind take joy in You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Rebekah Marsh
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#rebekahmarshblogs
I
