Our Pillar for Rejoicing
Joy Equals Strength – Part 1
Scripture Reading: Psalm 112:1-7
Key Verse: Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Some emotions drain us of strength, such as fear, discouragement and depression. Some emotions energize us, such as happiness, encouragement and deep joy. It should be no surprise that the Bible tells us, as God’s people, that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
This week we are looking at our prayers to see if they are saturated with joy. It makes sense that they would be if we believe what we say we do. If they are full of joy, then our prayers are strong, and thus we are strong. Some people would be so excited to talk with their favorite movie star or sports figure. Young girls scream with excitement just to stand in front of their favorite singer, while they imagine he is singing right to them!
Doesn’t it make sense that Christ followers would go before the God of this universe with joy? Just to realize we get an audience with our Lord Jesus Christ is an awesome thing. To know that Almighty God listens and cares for every concern of ours—shouldn’t that produce joy? Can’t we understand how we should rejoice in the Lord always by praying with thanksgiving?
As we talked about yesterday, the “prominent support” to our rejoicing always is our prayer life! Our prayer life should be fresh and full of thanksgiving, saturated with praise! In prayer, we are talking to God! God is listening and acting for our good!
Father, blessed be your name! I praise you for caring for me. I thank you for working all things out for my good! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.