When Joy Strengthens the Heart and Defends the Soul

Life seems to have a way of bringing stresses and worry in our lives. Situations that we cannot understand or problems we haven’t figured out will take a toll in our lives and joy tends to become extinct. Especially if we give those worries and problems free rein in our mind. God has a different plan for our life than one that is fraught with the anxiety of the future and the weight of our problems.

Joy Becomes a Path Forward

Nehemiah has led the remnant of Israel that had returned to Jerusalem in rebuilding the walls. They faced problem after problem. Nehemiah exemplified a life of trust in the Lord God of heaven in spite of the trials he faced. He continually encouraged the people to keep their eyes on God and not to be afraid of the enemy because of the God that they served.

After the walls were built and the people had settled into their homes they came together again to hear the Word of God. It is during this time frame as the Scriptures were being read that the people mourned and wept. Nehemiah, once again showed them a path forward.

“…this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10b

Nehemiah wanted the people to realize that God desired a joyful life for them. While in captivity they had mourned and wept. In one sense, it seemed like the mourning and weeping had become a habit in their life. However, now there was much to celebrate. God had been faithful. His lovingkindness was unfailing. God had brought them back from exile. Yet they mourned and wept.

Be Ye Not Sorry

We, too fall into this trap of mourning when we are faced with the troublesome problems of our day. We forget that the God we serve is able to strengthen us for the journey. Furthermore, we permit negativity to cloak our narrative because we are not looking God-ward. This is the complete opposite of what Nehemiah is admonishing.

In the above verse, the word ‘sorry‘ means to fabricate or fashion worry, pain or anger. How many of us as a matter of habit begin to worry when the stresses of life surround us? Worry brings nothing but pain, anger, despair and many more unpleasant emotions in life. I know I am not exempt and have to continually correct my perspective.

Nehemiah tells us not to make worry a part of our life. Don’t build it into your habitual, emotional life.

“Neither be ye sorry” {worried}

Nehemiah 8:10

Stress seems to be a part of life here on earth. Though I feel it could be greatly minimized if we would remember Jesus’ words.

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Tribulation comes from a Greek word meaning pressure. Jesus states that pressures and stresses will come, but don’t let them overcome you, because He has overcome. In other words, with Him there is a path to victory. Jesus has made a way for the tribulations of this life not to have mastery over us. Stress that has burrowed into our lives and taken up residence will leave us leaning on our own strength. Joy in Jesus is the answer.

Joy Brings Strength

Nehemiah tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Joy contains the meaning, be joined, as well as gladness, make glad and rejoice. When we make it a habitual choice to compile a list of blessings and gifts that God grants us each day it helps train our brain to rejoice. We keep searching, finding and giving God praise for all things. This rejoicing attitude gives us strength to trust amidst the adverse situations of life.

As mentioned, the word ‘joy‘ also contains the meaning “to be joined“. God wants us to be joined with him. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 15:4 that we are to abide in him. Abide means to stay in a given place or relationship. To remain, endure. Jesus tells us to abide in him, not only because it is the only way to bear fruit, but also because he wants us to be full of his joy.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

John 15:11

As we learn the depths of abiding in God, his joy can become our strength. Joy can become a defense, a stronghold against the stresses and pressures of life. If you are caught up in worry and despair, I challenge you to rejoice over past victories, praise Him for present blessings and be glad for a promised future. As we rejoice, even in times of trials, our heart and soul will be enveloped with his strength.