The Center of My Joy
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10b
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Thought for Today: Some people think of joy as an emotion that is activated by their feelings. Others equate joy with happiness. What does joy mean to you and what role does the second fruit of the spirit play in your daily walk with God?
Numerous scriptures in the Bible describe joy as a virtue that God gives to His people. The joy that God provides is gladness, contentment, rejoicing and peace that is anchored in your faith in God alone. This joy cannot be found in people, work, money, possessions or even in church attendance. It is found only in your personal covenant relationship in God.
Following a period of despair in my life, I experienced the restoration of joy and I testify to you that “joy comes in the morning.” There were times I had to sing the song,
“ Jesus, You’re the center of my joy,
all that’s good and perfect comes from You.
You’re the heart of my contentment,
hope for all I do.
Jesus, You’re the center of my joy”
(by Richard Smallwood)
Yes, the Lord did it! He restored my joy! The word tells us “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b). There is a strength that grows in your soul when you choose to receive the joy of the Lord. God’s great joy defeats, sadness, sorry, despair, despondence and even depression. So even in the midst of the storms and stresses of life, you can anchor your faith in God and experience the joy of the Lord. He will fill you with His joy in you and that joy will give you the strength to move forward.
It’s Time to Pray: Dear Lord, You alone are the source of all joy. Make your joy complete in me today. I declare that Jesus is the center of my joy and the source of my strength… Amen
