2025, 14th August

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

Picture this: the walls of Jerusalem finally stand tall again—stones stacked high, gates restored. Nehemiah and the people have accomplished what once seemed impossible, rebuilding in the face of threats, ridicule, and fierce opposition. It’s a moment that should be filled with cheers… yet Scripture says the people were weeping. Nehemiah reminds them, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Have you ever been there? You’ve rebuilt after heartbreak. You’ve overcome hardships that could have crushed you. You’ve accomplished what once seemed unreachable. But instead of celebration, you feel a strange emptiness.

That’s because happiness tied to circumstances can fade as quickly as it comes. Lasting joy—soul-deep contentment—flows from God Himself.

The good news? The joy of the Lord is your strength. This is not a fleeting feeling but a spiritual power anchored in God’s character, His unshakable faithfulness, and His steadfast love. It’s a joy that stands firm when storms rage, and it’s the strength that keeps you going when the battle isn’t over.

Joy is a choice—a decision to trust God’s promises and train your soul to believe He is in full control of your past, present, and future. And when His joy fills your heart, grief begins to turn into gladness.

Even David—mighty warrior, giant-slayer, and king—once cried out in Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” He knew that without God’s joy, he was vulnerable and weak.

The enemy of our souls comes after our joy because without it, we are left empty and powerless.

So I’ll ask you: What’s stealing your joy today? Fear? Doubt? Disappointment? Or ignorance of God’s truth? Romans 8 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Today is a call to restoration—a call to take back your joy. Choose the joy of the Lord. Choose His strength. And watch Him transform your life from the inside out.

Prayer:

Lord, please forgive my sins, my unbelief, and my ignorance. Today, I choose to believe in Your love displayed on the cross for me. I choose to receive Your joy. Amen.