Joy Isn’t Ignoring Problems, It’s Standing Up to Them
Choosing strength and joy even when life feels heavy.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Text graphic from All Nations Community Church reading: Joy isn’t ignoring problems, it’s standing up to them. Pastor Ras explains that joy doesn’t deny pressure but resists defeat, teaching that rejoicing is resistance and joy is heaven’s protest against defeat. From Week 2 of the Victory Mindset series.”
Hello church, Pastor Ras here.
Let’s be honest, we all face problems. Some days it feels like you’re juggling more than you can carry. There are moments when pressure builds, people disappoint, and plans fall apart. But I want to remind you today that joy isn’t ignoring problems, it’s standing up to them.
Joy doesn’t close its eyes to reality. It simply refuses to let reality rob its faith. Joy says, “Yes, I see the problem, but I also see my God.” It doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain or the weight of the struggle. It means you choose to trust that God is still at work, even in the middle of it.
Nehemiah told God’s people not to grieve because “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” That kind of joy doesn’t come from having everything perfect; it comes from knowing that God is still good. It’s the quiet confidence that, no matter how things look, Jesus has already won.
When you walk in that kind of joy, it confuses the enemy. He expects you to give up, but instead, you lift your hands in worship. He expects you to complain, but you start thanking God for what’s still good. Joy is not weakness, it’s warfare. It’s how you stand up when life tries to knock you down.
So maybe today you need to make that choice again. Even if the bills are due, the doctor’s report is tough, or the waiting feels long, don’t lose your joy. Let your heart say, “God, I still trust You.”
Remember, joy isn’t ignoring problems, it’s standing up to them. And when you choose joy, you choose strength.
Prayer of the Day:
Father, thank You that Your joy is my strength. Help me to stand in faith when life feels uncertain. Teach me to worship instead of worry, and to smile even when things seem hard. Fill me with Your peace and joy today, and remind me that You are still in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.