Joy is not a feeling of happiness that you have only when things are going well. It's much more than that. Joy is one of the most powerful spiritual forces in the world.
Read carefully what Nehemiah 8:10 says, and I will show you why. If we made a diagram of this verse, and removed the words "from Jehovah," we would find that it is actually saying that joy is strength. The two words are interchangeable, for that reason, joy is so important.
You can not live according to faith without being strengthened in the Lord, and when God wants to strengthen you, use joy!
Joy is not just a passing emotion or a state of mind. Joy is a true force, and there is nothing the devil can do against it. Just as fear has to yield to faith, discouragement has to surrender to joy.
As part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, joy already dwells within you. But if you want to enjoy the power of joy, it is necessary that you develop it, confess it and practice it.
No matter what situation you are facing, you can be filled with joy and strengthened in the Lord. You can draw on the power of the Holy Spirit that is within you and move forward.
So rejoice!
Lord, give me the maturity to find in any adverse situation, the strength to endure it knowing that I count on your paternal care. Before a blessing, grant me wisdom and humility to recognize that it is the result of Your grace and give me a compassionate spirit to share with those around me. May your hands be those that guide my steps Father. Amen
