Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) 10 Nehemiah said, “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.”
Life can be complicated, and sometimes, we forget about the simple but powerful gift of joy, especially the joy that comes from God. Today, on the seventeenth day of our prayer and fasting, it's important to think about and be grateful for this joy, which is different from temporary happiness. Happiness changes depending on what's happening in our lives, but joy is deeper and more stable, coming from our relationship with God.
We are reminded of the pure and simple nature of joy when we see a child laughing. Children find happiness in small things, free from adult worries. Their laughter, free and natural, is something we often lose as we grow older. As adults, we can rediscover this childlike joy, even in difficult times, and we should be thankful for this opportunity.
Life's journey includes highs and lows, and it's okay not to always feel joyful. The Bible, in Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, tells us there is a time for everything: a time to laugh and a time to cry. Acknowledging this doesn't lessen the importance of joy; it makes joy a real and approachable part of our human experience.
The joy we seek and are grateful for isn't about denying life's struggles. It's a joy that exists alongside our challenges, giving us strength. This joy is rooted in God's presence, love, and faithfulness. The Bible teaches us that there is fullness of joy in God's presence, a gift we should cherish with gratitude. This joy is beyond our understanding and results from the Holy Spirit.
During our fast, as we give up certain comforts and draw closer to God, we open our hearts to be filled with His joy. Fasting is more than just a physical discipline; it's a spiritual journey that strengthens our bond with God.
In seeking joy, we aren't escaping reality but choosing to view our circumstances through the lens of faith. We acknowledge the hardships and recognise and are thankful for God's sovereignty and goodness. Our joy, not based on the absence of problems but on God's presence in them, becomes our strength and anchor in life's storms.
A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Lord, Your presence in my life is a constant source of joy and strength; I am deeply thankful for this.
Thank You for the gift of life, for each breath that speaks of Your endless grace. Your Word lights my path, and Your love fills my heart.
Lord, Teach me to find joy in the simple things and embrace a child-like faith that delights in Your creation and presence. Help me to remember that joy is not the absence of sorrow but the presence of Your Spirit within me. In times of difficulty, remind me that Your joy is my strength, sustaining me through every season of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
CLOSING THOUGHT:
Let us always hold onto the joy that God gives us, for it is a gift that brightens our lives and shows us His love, guiding us through each day.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES FOR REFLECTION:
Psalm 16:11 (NLT) 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.
James 1:2-3 (NLT) 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Romans 15:13 (NLT) 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we continue our journey of faith, let us hold tightly to the joy that God offers us. This joy serves as both our strength and our beacon of hope.