Joy is the last thing a person normally shows when they feel anxious, worried, sick, etc. However, the Holy Spirit brings joy. No matter what you’re going through a smile and a light should be shining forth. Nehemiah 8:10 states, “...for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” These nine words reveal why we need Jesus and joy. The reason is to have strength day after day.
Nehemiah 8:10 doesn’t say that when you have joy in the Lord, you feel sad, depressed, anxious, worried, fearful, tired, lonely, or afraid. Instead, it says, “...for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So, no matter what you’re going through, joy can be a part of it. Psalm 94:19 says, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
These scriptures should give us strength for our weary spirits and hope for our hurting hearts. We don’t have to feel alone and tired. Instead, we can have strength and be a light to the world. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others…” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Therefore, confess your problems to God and He will bring you joy. Tell Jesus when you feel anxious, worried, fearful, and afraid. He wants to have a conversation with you. So, even if you're just making breakfast, or taking out the garbage, or trying to get ready for work, talk to Jesus.
Your conversation could go something like this,
“Lord, I can’t seem to get out the door today. I lost my keys, I burnt my toast, and the garage door isn’t working. I feel anxious, and I’m afraid that I won’t get to work on time. Also, my daughter feels ill, and my son wants me to help him with his basketball practice later. Jesus, I need peace and I need joy. I know through it all that you’re here with me. I love you Jesus and thank you for the life you have given me.”
You might have done one of these conversations before; but you haven’t done it every day. Instead, you’ve gotten lost in your own thoughts and fears. So, try talking to God every day like this. I’m sure a smile will be back on your face in no time.
So, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song” (Psalm 95:1-2).
God Bless,
Double Blessing
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