You need to be reminded that the JOY of the Lord is your strength. Yes, that comes straight from scripture. Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Let’s take a closer look, through Matthew Henry’s commentary.
Nehemiah 8:9-12 It was a good sign that their hearts were tender, when they heard the words of the law. The people were to send portions to those for whom nothing was prepared. It is the duty of a religious feast, as well as of a religious fast, to draw out the soul to the hungry; God’s bounty should make us bountiful. We must not only give to those that offer themselves, but send to those out of sight. Their strength consisted in joy in the Lord. The better we understand God’s word, the more comfort we find in it; the darkness of trouble arises from the darkness of ignorance.
Doesn’t it make you happy to be able to give something. Yes, we can always find a way to give, if even a little bit to others who are less fortunate. You just have to be willing, and subscribe to the mindset that all that we have is but loaned to us from the Father. Therefore, we can always find something, some way, some blessing to bestow upon others. This too should be our Joy.
We are joyful because we know Him. Because we can give from the surplus of His bounty, entrusted to us. In doing so, we send His joy to populate the hearts of others. When people have their needs met, or even a small, simple desire, they feel validated, worthy, restored in some way. This is more meaningful and valuable usually than the thing itself, that is gifted.
This word “Joy”, the meaning and deeper meanings (which are precious to me) have been swirling through my mind. From when I awake, until I lay my head upon my pillow. My joy is precious to me, the joy which the Lord gave to me and the Joy of those whom I hold dear. It’s our not so secret weapon, so use it and use it often!
As a friend I shared a conversation about this, we agreed that Jesus must have just laughed in the enemy’s face. When he thought that he had defeated our Saviour, he was so far from the truth. But isn’t that the ultimate irony, the farther one is from the truth, the less able one is to discern it. God empowers us to do this also. To simply cling to our joy, like a flint, ignoring and overlooking the feeble attempts, the traps, the obvious and not at all subtle stupidities. We can do that when we keep our eye on the knowledge of the outcome, the final play, that coveted position & title is already secured.
Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Proverbs 15:13-14
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Psalm 119:135
Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
Psalm 34:5
Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Job 9:27
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and be of good cheer,’
Numbers 6:25
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
Proverbs 15:13
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
Psalm 139:1-24
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. …
Ephesians 6:7
Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,
Isaiah 51:11
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 96:1-13
Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. …
Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
John 4:16
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Susan SMZ3Dت smz ™ © ®
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