“Jesus may have said man shall not live by bread alone, but He said nothing about moms living by caffeine alone,” I joked to my husband while sucking down my second cup of coffee after a hectic morning. Icy roads, school delays, and blow-out diapers had not set us off on the right foot. I was frustrated because I was going to be late to work (again), but in the midst of the craziness, I felt a gentle prompting in my spirit to meditate on Nehemiah 8:10:
For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
In this verse, Nehemiah was telling all of the people who had been standing for hours, listening to him read the law, to go home and refresh themselves, eat their best food, and send food to those who did not have any. But, most importantly, he was reminding them to rejoice! Why? Because mourning does not reflect a God who is bigger than our circumstances.
We live messy lives, and reflecting on all of the ways we fall short of perfection can often lead to regret or sorrow. But reflecting on Jesus should always lead us back to a place of thankfulness.
Note that this verse does not say, “Your joy is your strength.” But rather, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Hebrews 12:2 shares a little more about the joy of the Lord:
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In this verse, the joy of the Lord was us! Jesus endured the cross because His heart was set on our redemption and restoration.
Friends, we all know life is tough. Days will be hard. But remember that, as Christians, our unshakable strength comes—not from our circumstances (or our coffee)—but from knowing Jesus and His unyielding love for us.
Grace Waves 
This was always a hard concept for me to grasp. I spent a long time chasing joy only to realize it wouldn’t reveal itself without Christ. Find Jesus and He’ll give you joy. And that joy with strengthen your spirit better than any essential oil 😂😂 No but really, the joy that Christ gives just can’t be matched.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha!! So true 🙂
LikeLike
The joy of the Lord is my strength for sure. Through all the 24/7 physical pain, I am constantly aware I need to keep my thoughts focused on our beautiful Jesus. His grace keeps me going! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jordan, thank you for this post on JOY! Love how you highlight that it is not our joy, but the joy of the Lord, which is not of this world. I have discovered so much joy in worshiping Him with praise and singing, which is way better than coffee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If we follow our Lord and know what he would do like always giving service we will know what to do in our lives to find joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes ma’am!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been so overwhelmed with my work as a counselor. What a timely reminder his post was. Thank you for sharing! God bless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on New Beginnings With The Lords Guidance and commented:
Amen. This was an awesome read. Thank you .
LikeLike
Love this post, and as parents in the midst of busy circumstances, it is always a good reminder to choose and pursue joy through Him!
LikeLike
So very true. Our lives are messy but God fills us with peace and joy despite whatever is going on around us.
LikeLike
I had never noticed that before! I know I can’t conjour up the joy I need, thank you for the reminder that I can rely on His joy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the reminder that regardless of stress I can reflect on Jesus and find joy and peace. It’s amazing how focusing on him can make all the little tasks we have to take care of much more bearable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mom just passed away and that was one of her life verses we celebrated at her service. I’m clinging to it as I create pages of “her” verses in my #biblequiltjournal. Thanks for the reminder of His joy always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s so beautiful. I love the idea of a bible quilt journal! Sending love and prayers your way, Dianna!
LikeLike