…’This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep. ‘ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice good and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’…and their joy was very great. Nehemiah 8:9b-10, 17b
Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.’ Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot – come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations – let not the rebellious rise up against him. Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.’ Psalm 66:1-12
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance… James 1:2-3
The more I read about joy, the more I notice that it’s often coupled in passages with mourning, grief, pain or hardship. Perhaps its because when we experience pain, we’re able to know the sweetness of real joy all the more. What pressure it would be to be happy all the time; yet to know in our depths what God has done and what he has promised is enough to keep us content at the core in the midst of a changing world. In fact, more than content but actually with reason to rejoice; to celebrate! And in all of it, somehow this joy is tied to strength and strength to joy. How cool is that? Very.
Thoughts on JOY?
PS: I head to the states tomorrow!!!
