What does it mean to have the joy of the Lord? Does it mean we wear a smile on our face when all we want to do inside is cry? Does it mean we pretend sadness and sorrow can’t touch us—and we’re fine, it’s fine, and we’re all fine? That’s what I thought.
Suzie Eller reminded me recently, “God made all the feelings for a reason: sorrow, sadness, anger, happiness, fear, excitement.” But it’s important to remember the joy of the Lord doesn’t even fall in the “feelings” category. We all know joy like a new baby, a bountiful harvest, a marriage beginning, but we also know how quickly those circumstances can change. Make no mistake . . . the joy of the Lord remains. The joy of the Lord is not something we choose or muster up. It is planted like a seed in people who love Jesus. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) Every word that comes from the mouth of God is meant to produce His own everlasting joy within His children.
Joy isn’t mentioned in “the armor of God” because it’s less like a weapon and more like an anchor. When waves begin to crash, and the sails rip in half—joy holds fast. “The joy of the Lord is your strength!“ (Nehemiah 8:10)
The joy of the Lord is like a home. It’s where Gods’ kids live. Where we turn when we’re tired and hungry, cold and weary. “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
I remember feeling trapped in bed in the middle of the night with a torn disk in my back. My legs numb and tingling for lack of movement. Feelings of anxiety and panic circled like vultures for the scent of death. The joy of the Lord lit within like a June high noon. My mind bridled by the hands of God, and every nerve in my body rocked in His arms.
The joy of the Lord is the cure for discouragement. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)
The joy of the Lord locks hands with peace and hope. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
No . . . feelings are given space for God’s purposes. We need not hide them or try and manufacture them. Let fear and anxiety have their moment. Let anger feel what it was made for. Let your happiness and excitement be contagious. Sadness and sorrow can stay for the night, because joy still greets you in the morning.
What does it mean to have the joy of the Lord? Does it mean we wear a smile on our face when all we want to do inside is cry? Does it mean we pretend sadness and sorrow can’t touch us—and we’re fine, it’s fine, and we’re all fine? That’s what I thought.
Suzie Eller reminded me recently, “God made all the feelings for a reason: sorrow, sadness, anger, happiness, fear, excitement.” But it’s important to remember the joy of the Lord doesn’t even fall in the “feelings” category. We all know joy like a new baby, a bountiful harvest, a marriage beginning, but we also know how quickly those circumstances can change. Make no mistake . . . the joy of the Lord remains. The joy of the Lord is not something we choose or muster up. It is planted like a seed in people who love Jesus. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) Every word that comes from the mouth of God is meant to produce His own everlasting joy within His children.
Joy isn’t mentioned in “the armor of God” because it’s less like a weapon and more like an anchor. When waves begin to crash, and the sails rip in half—joy holds fast. “The joy of the Lord is your strength!“ (Nehemiah 8:10)
The joy of the Lord is like a home. It’s where Gods’ kids live. Where we turn when we’re tired and hungry, cold and weary. “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
I remember feeling trapped in bed in the middle of the night with a torn disk in my back. My legs numb and tingling for lack of movement. Feelings of anxiety and panic circled like vultures for the scent of death. The joy of the Lord lit within like a June high noon. My mind bridled by the hands of God, and every nerve in my body rocked in His arms.
The joy of the Lord is the cure for discouragement. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)
The joy of the Lord locks hands with peace and hope. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
No . . . feelings are given space for God’s purposes. We need not hide them or try and manufacture them. Let fear and anxiety have their moment. Let anger feel what it was made for. Let your happiness and excitement be contagious. Sadness and sorrow can stay for the night, because joy still greets you in the morning.