The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength - Beloved Women - January 19, 2024
READ: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
TODAY'S ENCOURAGEMENT: At times, we all grow weary, overwhelmed, and discontent with life. The trajectory of our circumstances can leave us feeling uncertain, confused, and longing for “more.” Often, we feel our actions have alienated us from God. In Nehemiah 8:10, Ezra, the Old Testament priest, encourages the people to stop grieving for their past sins, and let the joy of the Lord strengthen them during their time of weakness. Like the people in Nehemiah who felt lost from God and were encouraged to celebrate, we also can celebrate with joy!
God’s joy is the catalyst we need to strengthen us each day and satisfy our souls for the long haul. The joy of the Lord is not dependent on external circumstances, but an internal assurance that God is for us at all times. Despite our previous track record, the good news is the joy of the Lord energizes our spirit to press forward. Joy is a fruit of God’s spirit that is available to us. I encourage you to trust God for His everlasting joy today.
PRAY: Dear God, Thank You so much for the gift of joy that is available to me through Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to fill my heart with joy despite what I may feel or the difficulty of my circumstance. Please remind me that Your joy is constant, unwavering, and designed to strengthen me during all seasons. May I keep my heart open to the joy that You provide to me each day. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
REFLECT: What tangible ways can you activate God’s joy in your life today?
CONNECT: Connect with Kirstyn Mayden at www.kirstynspeakshope.com or on Instagram @KistrynSMayden.
MORE BELOVED: Join Beloved Women for our next online Bible Study “Worth More Than Rubies: A Bible Study on the 7 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.” If you’re tired of feeling like you are not enough and you can’t measure up, this study offers a graceful approach to learning about the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman. Learn more and join at https://www.belovedwomen.org/rubies.
© 2021 by Kirstyn Mayden. All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
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Originally published Friday, 19 January 2024.
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