Joy of the Lord is Strength?

And Nehemiah continued,

“Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks,

and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.

This is a sacred day before our Lord.

Don’t be dejected and sad,

for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

Nehemiah 8:10  NLT

This is a verse that many of us have memorized but does it help? When we are discouraged, how does the joy of the Lord strengthen us? How does it strengthen cancer patients, those going through a separation, those grieving a loss?  It sounds great but what does the "joy of the Lord" look like?

Some of us would say that the joy comes from our salvation, God's love, His provisions, His protection, His wisdom.  When we think of those, there is joy. If aware of our limitations and temporary life on earth, His salvation can bring peace which leads to joy. When lonely or rejected, His loving arms can bring acceptance and warmth which leads to joy. When our path curves and we can't see what is ahead, His wisdom can bring comfort which leads to joy.

How does joy lead to strength? According to Cancer Centers of America, "Addressing your psychological well-being can help you feel more relaxed and in control, cope better during treatment, overcome anxiety and depression, and enjoy life." So, for today, we will think of joy as an emotion that leads to relaxation and one that can help overcome anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression do rob us of energy. If we keep our anxiety and depression under control, then we can gain strength. One of my favorite passages is Philippians 4, especially verse 8:

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.

Fix your thoughts on

what is true,

and honorable,

and right,

and pure,

and lovely,

and admirable.

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Our thoughts can be controlled, self-disciplined.

Joy can strengthen us when it limits depression and anxiety. For me, I focus on God's sense of humor. One example is when I have my camera, usually there aren't any hummingbirds in our yard. When I go inside, several hummingbirds will be flying near the trees. "Funny, Lord!" It is my way of remembering that He is present and likes to make me laugh. It does give me strength.

Where do you see our loving Father's sense of humor? In creation? In communication with others? In your situation? "Think on these."