Joy in Christ

Every day, God creates moments of beauty and blessing. God’s joy is a sustaining force. It is a joy rooted in His unchanging nature, love for you, and promises.

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

– Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

In your walk with God, you might feel overwhelmed by the awareness of sin, personally and in the world around you. It’s easy to let this knowledge weigh you down. But Nehemiah’s words call you to something greater. You are invited to feast, share, and celebrate, even when grief seems more fitting. God’s joy empowers you and is a source of divine strength and renewal.

When you allow this joy to permeate your heart, you find the strength to face each day with hope and resilience. The knowledge of sin does not vanish, but it loses its power to dominate your spirit.

As a follower of Christ, let joy be your strength.

Jesus acknowledged sin and suffering, yet He also exemplified joy. Christ demonstrated His joy in obedience to the Father, the relationships He built, and the mission He fulfilled. This joy was His strength, enabling Him to endure the cross, despising its shame, and to sit down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2 ESV). Find joy in your relationship with God and the everyday blessings surrounding you.

Take a moment each day to reconnect with this joy. Pray, worship, read the Word, and let the Holy Spirit fill you with God’s presence. Joy is not merely a reaction to good circumstances but a steadfast confidence in God’s goodness, even when life is hard.

Today’s One Thing

Allow joy to be your focus and strength, and affirm, “The joy of the Lord is my strength. I will not let the knowledge of sin overshadow the joy that comes from God. His joy empowers me, sustains me, and gives me hope.”

Go Deeper

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