I am often told I am always smiling, and I like to laugh.
From a young age, despite my circumstances, family trauma, and home environment, I was always a happy child.
In the world today, many things can steal our joy, whether it’s bad news, our jobs, people around us, or our current situations.
I was reflecting on the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 is one of my favourite scriptures: “Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
This verse reminds us that no matter what we are going through today, the obstacle, the battle, the Lord is our joy.
And HE is Your STRENGTH.
He is the joy of the whole world.
Many people find joy in temporary things; they find things that satisfy their souls or fill the void in their hearts.
As it is Valentine’s Day today, many people seek happiness in relationships, but relationships can fail like everything else.
Some people have the whole world and are still unhappy.
The joy of the Lord is everlasting.
You can be deep in the miry clay and walking through the valley and shadow of death, but joy from the Heavenly Father can allow you to bypass your current suffering.
Reminding us of 2 Corinthians 4:18, where it says we fix not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Praise God that when we become saved, we have the joy of His salvation.
We are no longer slaves to sin; we are bound no longer but set free.
There is no greater love than this.
Like a prisoner being released after serving for a length of time and feeling the joy of being unchained and walking in freedom.
Declare today: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me (Psalm 51:12).
The devil does not want us to experience the joy of the Lord, but he wants us to feel depressed, reminding us in our thoughts of things to be concerned/worried or distressed about.
Jesus promises us in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”.
He can offer us continual joy and peace.
Joy that will fill you to the brim today.
I have experienced many times before I spent time with God, feeling down, but left feeling joyful.
We always leave His presence better than we came.
It also reminds me of Psalm 16:11, where it says, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
When my Mum passed away, 3 years ago, I dealt with times of deep sadness. There were times when my grief felt unbearable.
I admit it was challenging at times.
The more time I spent with Jesus and the more times I encountered Him, the more He filled me with His joy.
The sorrow was for a period of time in my life, and the scripture I focused on during this time was Psalm 30:5 “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”.
Your weeping is only for a season; God will restore your joy.
Sometimes in life, we can surround ourselves with people who may steal our joy; that’s why we must guard our hearts… (Proverbs 4:23).
Often people can sow words of discouragement or negativity.
Discern those who may be pessimistic and find people who can uplift.
Proverbs 17:22 says a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
It has an impact on us not only emotionally but also physically.
Research tells us that being joyful improves physical and mental health by reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol, by up to 32%.
There is also a saying that links with this: good company is like medicine.
We know the benefit of being around others who are joyful.
Like an infectious smile, the joy we have transforms lives.
I work in healthcare, and I often notice that the joy, positivity, and enthusiasm I have put people at ease.
Bring your light into every environment.
Even when we feel within there is nothing to be happy about, there is always something to be thankful for, and we can always have gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.
We do not know why things may happen in this life.
But when we praise God, things change.
Shifting our focus from problems to His power.
Our praise is a weapon in difficult times, replacing our uncertainty, cancelling our fear and chaos with peace, and bringing joy that will strengthen us.
If we allow the world around us to affect us, we are not truly embracing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us.
Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which are qualities we need to obtain as believers.
When bad things happen, it is important to look on the brighter side. It is easy to become worked up about things.
Remain positive instead and trust the Lord.
When people see us, they must see the joy of the Lord; they must see, despite our hardships, that we will and have overcome.
Psalm 30:11 “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy”.
Be assured, when you go to God, your feelings will change.
Allow Him to clothe you with joy today.
There is joy in His presence.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, allow God to fill you with His joy and His peace.
May your joy be overflowing today in Jesus Name.
PRAYER
Father in the Name of Jesus,
We thank you for this day you have made today.
We thank you for being above everything,
Above all our circumstances,
All our worries, pain and grief,
Fix our gaze on what is eternal,
We thank you that you are Alpha and Omega,
We pray today that you will cleanse us,
Today, may you fill us with joy,
May we possess your love,
Our joy is running over,
Give us gratitude and thanksgiving,
We give you all the honour and praise,
No matter what we are going through today, we will overcome,
Our battles will not rule us,
May we spend time in your presence,
Turn our sorrow into happiness,
Our weeping will turn into joy,
Let us not fill voids with temporary joy,
But choose your everlasting joy and peace,
Let the world not steal our joy,
Let our smiles be infectious,
May our laughter be overflowing,
Let us embrace the joy of your salvation,
Guard our hearts and surround us with others who will uplift us,
May we encourage one another,
May we carry your light,
May our joy expand to those around us,
In your precious Holy Name, Amen.
Written by Jaeger. V
14/02/26