Joy of the LORD

Sept. 22, 2014 Monday Message:

“Do not be grieved, for the Joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b

Happiness comes and goes, and depends on circumstances or other people. When something good happens in your life, or when someone does you a favor, it brings a feeling of happiness. But bad things can also fall into your life. Sometimes people are unkind, and your happiness is replaced with sorrow and anger.

The Joy of the LORD, on the other hand, is permanent. When you and Jesus are best friends – when you trust in Jesus to redeem you, to give you a seat at the wedding banquet in heaven, then you know the Joy of the LORD.

Both bad things and good things will fall into your life. Some people will be loving, but others will be exasperating. Surprisingly, the joy of the true believer is largely unaffected by circumstances.

Even at his lowest, most unhappy point, Job didn’t give up hope. His joy came from knowing that God could and would rescue him from his circumstances. And God did indeed rescue Job.

Happiness is fleeting, but joy is permanent. I pray that we all could be filled with the peace of the LORD that passes all understanding. That gives me great joy!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10:00am every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Sept. 28, Pastor Pilla wraps up Acts 8, Philip and the Ethiopian church.