“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
Joy felt like a cruel joke…that’s how I felt in one of the hardest seasons of my life. People would tell me to “look on the bright side” or “just stay positive,” but those words felt hollow. How was I supposed to feel joy when everything seemed to be falling apart?
Maybe you’ve been there too. When life feels heavy and your heart is weighed down, even the smallest things can feel impossible. Smiling feels forced, and finding joy? That feels like something for people whose lives are far easier than yours.
But Nehemiah 8:10 shows us something deeper. When the people of Israel heard God’s law read aloud, they were devastated by how far they had fallen short. Grief overwhelmed them. But Nehemiah told them, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” He wasn’t telling them to ignore their sorrow. He was reminding them to anchor their hearts in God’s joy—a joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, but on His unchanging goodness.
I started to understand this when I stopped chasing happiness and began leaning into God’s presence instead. His joy isn’t about slapping on a smile or pretending everything is fine. It’s about the quiet confidence that He is still good, still faithful, and still with us, even when life is overwhelming.
One small but powerful thing helped me during that difficult season. I began thanking God for even the smallest things—things like breath in my lungs, a kind word from a friend, or just making it through the day. Little by little, that gratitude made room in my heart for His joy to take root. It didn’t fix everything, but it gave me strength to keep going.
If you’re in a season where joy feels out of reach, remember this: You don’t have to create it on your own. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Lean into Him, let His presence steady your heart, and trust that His joy will carry you through.
— Paul, LifeSongs
Reflective Question:
What’s one small thing you can thank God for today? How can you let the joy of His presence strengthen you in this season?
Prayer:
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