Our Pillar for Rejoicing
Joy Equals Strength – Part 2
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.”
Continuing from yesterday’s thoughts, I want to focus on our suggested additional reading section today. The Psalmist David understood how important our joy is, when it comes to walking with God. In the first verse he reminds us how blessed a person is who has deep respect (fear) for the Lord and delights in God’s instructions. Please note the word delight. Some people find God’s instructions hard and dreadful. God’s true followers find them a delight because of the truth in them. Truth set us free from the tyranny of darkness.
Finding God’s commands a delight comes from a deep trust in God’s character. It is believing God never tries to make us miserable, only eternally happy. God knows that the immediate gratifications of the flesh never last long, and that they bring emptiness to our souls. When we come to God in prayer, we should never try to change God’s mind, but rather find His mind for our lives. We joyfully pray and petition Him, knowing He hears and acts in our best interest.
I love verse seven, and it is key to rejoicing always: “He (we who are trusting God) will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7). This is the secret to facing your day with joy, trusting the Lord when the bad news comes. God is worthy of your trust!
Father, good news or bad, I am living today with your joy. I know your plans are to prosper and bless me. Thank you! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.