How does one define joy? Have you ever experienced it?
I was recently asked if a non-believer can ever experience true joy without Christ in their life. I believe whole-heartedly that the answer is no, but that is not to say that they cannot be happy. Think back to before you were a Christian, before you followed Christ, you were not always sad, there were probably many happy times. Some of the happiest people I know to this day are non-believers. Happiness can be found in many things, but true joy can only be found in One, in the Savior. Here is my point, happiness is temporary; along with sadness and anger and all the other emotions. We can go from sad to happy to angry in a matter of minutes, but joy, joy is found in Christ and is eternal. True joy is deeper than the emotions we experience on a day to day basis.
From personal experience, I can say that even on the worst of days, I can find true joy in the Lord; the joy of the Lord is literally my strength, our strength. True joy is being able to turn to the God who loves and created us, during both the happiest and most difficult times in our life; and being able to do so with a smile and full faith that He is stronger and bigger than any of the things life brings our way. We can find true joy in Christ, by knowing that He will bear the load with us, by accepting that we are weak and need His love to fall back on, and by acknowledging the gift of life He has given us through His death. Both the daily verse and the beginning of the song Holy is the Lord by Christ Tomlin speak of the strength we can find in the true joy of the Lord.
Chris Tomlin's Holy is the Lord
We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He!
Daily Verse:
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” ~ Nehemiah 8:10
Today I challenge you to find that true joy in Christ, to let go of superficial feelings, and accept all that He is willing to offer. I promise you will never experience something more fulfilling in your life; let Him be your strength, let Him be your true joy!
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