THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH!!

BIBLE PASSAGE:
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.”
(Nehemiah 8:10)

MEDITATION:
What do people see when they look at you?
Do they see someone who is sad with life and their own failures?
Do they see someone who is in a state of anger?
Do they see someone who has fallen victim to the cancer of depression?
Do they see someone who is skeptical and suspicious of everything and everyone?
Do they see someone with worry lines and anxieties?
Do they see someone with the creases of old age?
Or, do they see someone who has an internal peace
and happiness that overflows and shows in their countenance?

When we belong to the Lord, our gratefulness for the blessings He
has given us should fill our hearts to an overflow that transforms
our outward appearance. Look at these scriptures from God’s Word:
    “The Lord bless you and keep you;
      the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
      the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
      (Numbers 6:24-26)

When those words fill our hearts, how can we suppress the joy we
feel and prevent our happiness from showing in our face? We really
can’t, can we? What others see in us can actually serve as a witness
of our faith and how God has blessed us, and is continuing to bless us.

When God’s Spirit is in us, we can expect
the following by-products according to His promises to mankind.
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience),
    kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
    Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

When the Spirit is vibrant, alive and active in our life, then the way
we act, talk, and look will be a reflection of His presence. Our feelings,
emotions, thoughts and overall attitudes will be changed.
    Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh
    with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let
    us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited,
    provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:24-26)

When we surrender our lives to the Lord and when we choose
to allow His Spirit to be in control of our lives, we will have a
new outlook on life, and it will show in our face.

The key to peace, joy, and a happy countenance is total
surrender to God and a joyful appreciation of the new
path for living He has created for us. Happiness is
dependent on our relationship with the Lord.
    David said about Him:
    “I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
    Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope, because you will not
    abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let
    your holy one see decay. You have made known to me
    the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
    (Acts 2:25-28)

Look at how the Holy Spirit impacted the lives of Paul and Barnabus.
    And the disciples were filled
    with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
    (Acts 23:52)

Look at the impact their lives had on the life of the jailer.
    The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal
    before them; he was filled with joy because he had come
    to believe in God—he and his whole household.
    (Acts 16:34)

What drives the joy that others see in us?
    For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
    and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
    in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
    (Colossians 1:13-14)

We have a new joy that was not something we created,
but it was given to us by the Holy Spirit.
    For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
    and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
    in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
    (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

ACTION:
Take a moment and look intently at yourself in the mirror
and imagine what you see when you observe your countenance.
Do you see a face that is filled with the joy and happiness that
only God can provide, or do you see someone who is missing
out on the blessings He offers to those who belong to Him?

Are there any changes you need to make in your life,
including your words, actions, emotions, and attitudes?

Remember that joy and happiness does not mean we will not
have difficulties, but it means that we have the Holy Spirit
to help us cope with whatever circumstances come our way.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You have blessed me in so many ways.
Forgive me for concealing my gratefulness behind a
countenance that does not show my internal thankfulness
for your blessings. Help me to be aware of the importance
of an outward appearance which tells others that I have
been given a new life of joy as part of your gift of salvation
and the Holy Spirit. Change me on the outside so that others
will know of my faith and gratitude for what Jesus made
possible when He gave His life for me.”

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