On the day of this writing, I feel exhausted, mentally, physically and emotionally. Weariness can overwhelm our spiritual fortitude and hinder our ability to endure whatever struggle we are determined to overcome.
So much of life here on earth is about grit and commitment. We get worn down and sense that our strength is waning.
Nehemiah 8:10b KJV …The joy of the Lord is my strength.
The NASB translates it like this: “…The joy of the Lord is your refuge.”
If we’re going through a time of prolonged physical illness or if we are recovering from an injury, the strength joy offers may feel illusive and hard to secure.
We think of joy as an ecstatic emotion that causes us to jump up and down, but that isn’t necessarily the biblical definition. A more accurate definition would be “gladness”.
What are you glad about? You might say, “I’m glad I don’t live on the streets.” After some reflection you might say, I’m glad I had something to eat today.” Or “I’m glad my electricity is on.”
Sounds like thanksgiving, doesn’t it? “I’m so glad I have my little dog.” Or “I’m so glad my husband did that for me!”
Finding something to be glad about gives us the strength we need but didn’t know we had access to.
I Chronicles 16:43
43Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His faithfulness is everlasting.