The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

"The joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8

Happiness and joy often look the same, however, they are quite different. Happiness is often experienced as a positive emotion such as that great feeling of winning a ball game or getting a good grade on a test. Joy, on the other hand, is actually a deep spiritual gift that comes from the Lord. Happiness may pass quickly, but there is a a far deeper, more enduring quality with joy.

Joy is a blessed gift from the Holy Spirit that comes through confident prayer, and praising God in all His glory. With joy there is a feeling of contentment that comes from knowing that you are never, ever alone in this life, no matter how isolated you may feel. Holy help awaits you, simply for the asking. In fact, it is the sublime understanding that Jesus stands by your side day and night, ready to fight every battle that comes your way--With you, and even for you, in your times of great need.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus stands in the breech averting mayhem on your behalf, and diverting arrows of darkness that fall along your path. That accident you almost had; the breakthrough in that tough relationship with your family member. Lifting you up, He brings you to higher ground, helping you to loosen the binds that tie you. For with Him, there is no darkness at all; just goodness, and pure and radiant light that comes being in the presence of the Lord.

"The joy of the Lord is my strength," hence, my soul rests in the peace that surpasses all understanding. I rest best in the Lord, because I know where my help comes from.

                                               Adele M. Gill   2013   Copyright