Joy

Most of my life I believed that Joy is a by-product of happy circumstances or relationships., but Nehemiah, the steadfast returner to Jerusalem after being exiled, wrote this when his people had become conscious of how far away they had fallen from God’s words to them: “This day (of return) is holy to the Lord your God. Do not grieve, for the Joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The “day” was the day of self-revelation as the people heard their scriptures read,manyfor the first time. The discrepancy between their lives and the word of God was dismaying., but Nehemiah says they may draw strength from the supernatural Joy of hearing the word of God.

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come, but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her Joy that a child has been born into the world.” (John 16:21-22) Jesus said this to his disciples in anticipation of his own resurrection.

The advent of new life carries Joy to the spirits of human beings, especially the mothers of new-born babies, and brings with it strength. That Joy blots out the pain and anguish of the birth process.

There is indeed strength in Joy, as the Psalmist knew, as well: “Restore unto me the Joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12)

While God’s Spirit is a peaceful Spirit, He is also a Joyful Spirit. Jesus himself says this at a time when he could be expected to be anything but Joyful, the night before his crucifixion: “I have told you this so that my Joy may be in you and that your Joy maybe complete.” (John 15:11)

The power of Joy rests in the character of God. Jesus speaks of his followers sharing his Joy and the Father’s Joy. The very reason for His incarnation, for coming to earth to live among joyless as well as joyful human beings is to share the Spirit of God, living in Him, with those who are willing to receive Him.

At Jesus’ nativity, it’s with great Joy that angels announce to the shepherds, “Don’t be afraid, for I bring you good news that will cause great Joy for all people.” (Luke 2:10) The Joy of the Lord is contagious, and comes to us from God Himself. It is for us a strength that can always be renewed.

Love in Him,

Prue