6 January 2025: Joy

Nehemiah 8:10
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes with the highs and lows of life—when things go our way, we feel elated; when hardships arise, we feel discouraged. But joy is different. Joy runs deeper than emotions or circumstances. It is not found in success, wealth, or comfort; it is rooted in God alone.

I once met a woman who embodied this kind of joy. She was battling cancer, yet instead of despair, she radiated peace. Her face was full of light, and her laughter was genuine. I remember sitting beside her, expecting to hear about her struggles and pain. But instead, she smiled and said, “My body may be weak, but my spirit is full of joy because I know Jesus.” Her words left me speechless. How could she be so joyful in the middle of such suffering?

She explained that her joy didn’t come from her situation—it came from her Savior. She wasn’t ignoring the reality of her illness, nor was she in denial about her hardships. Instead, she had chosen to place her hope in Christ, knowing that He was with her in every trial. Her faith wasn’t based on whether God would heal her; it was based on the unshakable truth that He loved her, sustained her, and was preparing an eternal home for her beyond this life.

That day, I learned something profound: Joy isn’t about what happens to us; it’s about Who we trust. It’s not about having a perfect life but about knowing that, no matter what we face, God is in control. The joy of the Lord becomes our strength when we choose to trust Him in the midst of pain, uncertainty, and waiting.

If you’re struggling today, I encourage you to seek the kind of joy that comes from God alone. Joy that doesn’t depend on external circumstances but is rooted in His presence. Even in trials, His joy can be your strength.

This January, let’s choose joy—not because life is easy, but because God is good. Not because every prayer is answered immediately, but because His promises never fail. True joy isn’t found in a problem-free life; it’s found in a life anchored in Him.

Lord, fill my heart with Your joy. Even when life is difficult, help me to trust You and find strength in Your presence. Let my joy be a reflection of my faith in You. Amen.