The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

The challenges we face and temptations we encounter weigh us down, we can only find consolation from God’s word. The joy we derive is from God’s word which is our strength.

This phrase was a source of consolation to God’s children in the old testament when they were in distress. God gave them peace and they drew their strength from him.

In the mist of their trials God fought for them. Despite their disobedience, God was willing to reform and restore his children. God assured them that he his still with them and they are his children.

According to Gilson, he says “The day God reaffirmed to them that they were still his chosen people, and he was still their God was the joy that imparted strength.” His unconditional love for them made them humble and has also humbled us too.

What does the Joy of the Lord is my strength mean?

The book of Nehemiah says (Nehemiah 8:10)  “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”

The joy of the Lord is a sign of confidence, restoration and complete surrender to the will of God. God admonishes us to shun sin and embrace righteousness.

What Does the Bible Say about The Joy of the Lord is my strength?

In Nehemiah 8:10 the Hebrew meaning of Joy is “chedvah,” .The meaning of this phrase “The joy of the Lord”  is gladness and happiness “Strength” in this same verse is an Hebrew word which means “Power, safety, confidence or hope”.

The original word of strength means “to be powerful to overcome, to fortify” The joy of the Lord is a word of hope that gives us happiness and strength in the time of difficulty. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he bore our sufferings, pains, sickness, troubles etc, that we may have life in abundance and also enjoy eternal peace and gladness.

“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13).

The above verse tells us how Jesus prayed for his people. He had a perfect experience in the joy of the father and wants us to partake in this joy.

How Does the Joy of the Lord Provide Strength?

The Israelites were sad because they couldn’t keep to the law. They were cut off from God because of their constant disobedience but in all, God still showed them mercy. God’s joy gives us strength when we feel lost and weary due to the challenges we encounter daily.

Isaiah 12:3 says “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation

Psalm 16:11 also says “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand”.

The book of Zephaniah 3:17 says, “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs”.

These scriptures assures us of the strength and courage we stand to get from the joy of the Lord. His word is a light to our path and also our strength.

What Is This Strength?

The strength in this context refers to the grace of God made available for us. Ephesians 4:7 “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ”.

His grace is what gives us hope and no matter what we encounter we will overcome and be victorious. So we are to appreciate him for his sufficient grace he has given us even when we don’t deserve it.

Because of this grace we have the confidence and boldness to handle difficult situation and still come out victorious. Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.

2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us of God’s promise “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.

What Does This Mean?

This means that the joy of the Lord strengthens us which unites us with Christ. We are connected to Christ through righteousness and his grace.

Romans 14:17 says  “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”.

This sufficient grace edifies us in our difficult moments and we find peace in God.

Romans 5:17 reminds us “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ”.

Bible verse on the Joy of the Lord is my strength

1.Psalm 28:7-8

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

2.John 15:11

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

3.Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

4.Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

5.Nehemiah 8:10

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.”

6.Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

7.Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

8.Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Conclusion

In essence, we have to be in connection with God and live a righteous life in other to connect with Christ and find Joy in Christ.

ALSO, READ 14 Sure Promises of God