We all face moments where life feels heavy and joy is out of reach. But as followers of Jesus, we have access to something deeper: a joy that comes directly from God.
When we say “The joy of the Lord is my strength,” we’re acknowledging that our strength doesn’t come from our own abilities – it comes from God! This isn’t just a feel-good phrase; it’s a powerful reminder that even when life is hard, we can know and experience joy because of who God is and how he works in our lives.
What it means to have the joy of the lord as our strength
The phrase “the joy of the Lord is your strength” comes from the book of Nehemiah, where God’s people needed hope and encouragement to press on. Nehemiah reminded them that their strength came from God’s joy, not from their circumstances (Nehemiah 8:10).
This joy is deeper than happiness – it's rooted in God’s character and his unwavering faithfulness. When we lean on him, we find the strength to keep going, no matter what we may be up against.
For us today, having the joy of the Lord as our strength means we can find peace and stability in him, even when life gets though. It frees us from trying to carry everything on our own and reminds us that God is within us, working in ways we might not always see.
God uses our pain to help us grow
None of us would choose pain, but our struggles aren’t a waste. God uses hard times to help us grow and remind us that we need him. “When troubles of any kind come your way,” we read in James 1:2, we should “consider it an opportunity for great joy.” Why? Because our faith is put to the test, it produces endurance and perseverance in our character (James 1:3).
The Apostle Paul is a great example of how this plays out in real life. He went through unimaginable hardships – from imprisonment to persecution – yet he kept pointing to God’s joy and strength. He is where we get the quote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Even in his suffering, Paul found joy knowing that God was with him and would give him the strength to keep going.
Finding joy in suffering
When we follow Jesus, we know that we can experience joy in our suffering just like Paul did. However, that doesn’t mean we deny the reality of our pain. Instead, it means finding hope in God’s promises, remembering that he’s with us in every moment. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” So even when we don’t understand why things happen, we can trust that God is working for our good.
The joy of the Lord isn’t about ignoring our struggles – it's about knowing that God holds us through them. It reminds us that our story isn’t over and that God can redeem even the hardest parts for our good and his glory. When we lean into that joy, we find the strength to keep going.
Have joy in every season
When you live with the joy of the Lord as your strength, it changes how you face every season. You don’t have to keep relying on your own strength to get through hard times; instead, you can draw from the never-ending well of God’s love and faithfulness.
When you say, “the joy of the Lord is my strength,” you’re claiming a powerful truth in your life! Your circumstances don’t define you – God does. And with him, you can find peace and strength even in the darkest times. So if you’re walking through something hard today, know that God’s joy is available to you. Lean into his strength and let him carry you.
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If you’re going through a hard season, prayer is a great way to remind yourself of the joy and strength God provides. Call on him with these prayers for strength through pain.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!