I don’t know exactly when it happened, or why, but I feel like many of us have lost strength…and even the desire to be strong.
Our current culture glorifies weakness to the point of making almost everyone a victim. It seems like victimhood is worn as a badge of honor. I am 100 percent certain that God never intended this to be so.
It’s true that He says, in our weakness He is strong…but there’s a HUGE difference between being a victim and allowing God to be strong in your weakness. One of those is set on certain defeat, while the other is focused on victory through the Lord.
We are called to be strong and courageous. We are victors, not victims. So, where did our strength go?
I’m going to challenge you with this concept…I believe our strength has waned because we’ve lost so much joy.
Yes, you read that right, JOY.
Remember this scripture?
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
That’s right, the joy of the Lord is our strength. So, what would happen if people lost joy? Weakness.
The times when I have struggled the most, were the times that I lost joy. Fortunately, this point in my life, I have found a deep, abiding joy. I feel it every day and even when I’m struggling with big issues. That internal and irrevocable joy carries me. It does this because it is strength from God. Real joy is not based upon circumstances. It’s a deep certainty in our soul. A knowing. A faith that everything will always work out for good.
This joyful mindset is what grants us enormous strength. It separates us from unbelievers and gives them a reason to wonder if we might just know something that they don’t. Our joy can absolutely draw them to the cross of Jesus. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?!
Strength from the Lord isn’t pushy, like the world. Strength from the Lord is a solid, steady sureness. It doesn’t have to be forced or forceful. True strength is often quiet and still because it’s so certain. Jesus displayed the greatest strength we will ever see, in His quietness, as He allowed them to taunt, beat, and crucify Him.
It’s breath taking to imagine that level of strength.
And why did He do it?
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2b-3
Circles right back around to joy. For the JOY set before Him, He endured.
Today is a great day to put on joy.
If you’ve been feeling weary, just ask for joy. Ask and He will listen to you…He wants your joy to be full.
I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11
Praise be to the Lord, for He is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. Psalm 28:6-7
365 Days in the Presence 