Day 17: Tuesday, January 21st
Today's Topic: Joy
Read Nehemiah 8:9-10 AMP: 9Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law. 10Then Ezra said to them, “Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.”
Think about this: Nehemiah made this proclamation during a season of rebuilding. The Israelite people had neglected the Lord their God, but instead of rejecting them back, He restored them. The people were sad because of the way they had neglected God. They were weeping and filled with sorrow. God didn’t want them to be sad, He told them it was not a time of mourning but a time of rejoicing. The joy of the Lord was what would renew them and strengthen them.
Proverbs 17:22 TPT tells us: "22A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul. But the one whose heart is crushed struggles with sickness and depression." If your joy is gone it can be easy to fall into depression or mental oppression. If you’ve lost your joy, here is how to get it back. Psalm 16:11 AMP says "11You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." In the presence of the Lord fullness of joy is found. Fullness means overflowing, filled to the brim. If fulness of joy is in His presence, there is no room for anything else to remain. Take some time to spend in the presence of God and watch your joy overflow!
Pray this prayer: Dear God, I am so grateful that your presence enables me to find joy. Today, I set aside every other emotion and choose joy in your presence. Strengthen my heart and soul as I delight myself in you. Thank you for restoring the joy of my salvation today!