We are told in Nehemiah 8:10, “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” If it’s our strength, then how do we get it, and exactly what is it? Is it the same as happiness? No, happiness is circumstantial and can easily come and go. Joy is a state of being and transcends circumstances. It is a gift to us from the Holy Spirit. It is a fruit of the Spirit. If it’s a gift, then how do we receive this gift, and what are its benefits?
We already saw in Nehemiah 8:10 that joy is our strength. We also see in Psalm 16:11: “You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” This means joy also comes with eternal pleasures by being at God’s right hand.
Isaiah 55:2 says, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” Going forth in joy then leads us in peace.
Jeremiah 15:16 says, “When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.”
Acts 2:28 says, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.”
What we are told in Jeremiah and Acts is that being in the Word and in the presence of God are two ways to obtain joy, and Isaiah tells us that joy brings peace.
Many times, I have felt a burden for someone or have faced a situation where I know the only way to get peace and release is to go to God in prayer. I get into His presence and talk to Him about whatever I’m burdened about. I spend time in His presence. I pray and search the Word until I receive a release in my spirit, until I get a breakthrough, and then the joy comes.
Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” What is the morning? It’s a breakthrough of the sun. Joy comes with a breakthrough!
Joy is a state of well-being and right standing with God. It is our strength and our peace. Joy is also our confidence, which develops our faith. It is a divine gift that must be guarded.
The enemy will do anything he can to steal your joy. When we lose our joy, we are cast into a downward spiral leading to anxiety and depression. Some of the most powerful tools the enemy uses are fear, doubt, and unbelief. We must guard our joy by not listening to the enemy. James 4:7 says, “Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee.”
Joy is a gift from God that we must guard and maintain by spending time with God in His presence, working on our relationship with Him, and being consistent about spending time in His Word. Doing these things daily ensures us of receiving the joy of the Lord and allows us to live a joyful life.
