In the last devotional, we saw that Jesus said that following Him would result in fullness of joy (John 15:11). Galatians 5:22 says that joy is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Joy is distinct from happiness in that joy is not based on circumstances, but joy and happiness generally travel together. Joy is not the result of no hardships. Our joy overwhelms the difficulties that we face. God is glorified when His children exhibit joy in the midst of the various trials of life. In Nehemiah 8, the nation was in a time of revival that began when Ezra read the Scriptures to the people, and taught them what it meant. The Lord was moving mightily. Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. What is this joy that overcomes our troubles and disappointments?
The people were broken and mourning over their sin. Ezra and Nehemiah told them not to mourn because the day was holy to the Lord. What does it mean to be holy? Holy means distinct. Isaiah 58 says that the Sabbath is a holy day and that it is not a day for pursuing our own pleasures. That does not mean that it is a gloomy and boring day. It is a day when the focus is on finding our joy in the Lord. To seek to find our joy in anything more or anything less than God never satisfies. Seeking for ultimate joy in the best and most beautiful things of this life will be disappointing. Here they were lifting their hands and praising the Lord, overwhelmed in the greatness of the Lord. We are so easily distracted. Have you ever been sitting out, stargazing, only to be distracted by a phone call or a noise? You were focused on something so big, so overwhelming, but then something miniscule completely derailed you. We must protect our focus on the Lord. What is it that keeps you going in the hard days? What is it that keeps you putting one foot in front of the other when you are very tired? We belong to the Lord. We are connected to the infinite God of all, the Creator and Sustainer. This world and all of its distractions take your attention off of the Lord and get you off track. As a believer, you the blessings of this life are to be that which reminds us of God’s goodness to us. We enjoy the gifts by focusing on the Giver. Christianity is not about depriving yourself of the joys of this world. 1 Timothy 6:17 says that He has given us all things richly to enjoy. We enjoy God and enjoy His gifts and we reach out to others with open hearts and open hands.
