Are You Happy Today?

How are you doing?

Are you doing well? Or are you going through such a difficult season that when you open your eyes in the morning, your first thought is, "Oh no"?

Nehemiah 8:10 contains a powerful verse that you can take to heart today:

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) 

Yes, right now! Right NOW!

In the original Hebrew, the verse literally says, "The joy of the Lord is your stronghold."

How incredible is that?

The Hebrew word used here refers to a fortress, a refuge, or a place of safety. The meaning goes even deeper than just inner strength:

The joy that comes from God, and is rooted in Him, becomes a safe place, a fortress that protects you when life's storms rage.

And the context is remarkable as well:

The people had just heard God's Word and were deeply moved, even saddened by it. But instead of remaining trapped in guilt, Nehemiah encouraged them to celebrate and rejoice because God's grace is greater! 🥳

Wow!

The joy of the Lord is not a superficial happiness but a deep assurance:

God is here, God forgives, and God holds you securely. THAT is where true strength is found.

If joy feels out of reach right now, don’t worry. 

You don't have to go looking for joy because it begins here:

In Jesus. Seek Him, and you will find joy.

True joy isn't found only when the day starts well, and everything is going according to plan. It is found when you realize:

➡️God is here.

➡️God forgives.

➡️God holds us securely.

If THAT doesn't fill your heart with joy, what will? 😉

So when the storms of life are raging, don't run away. Run into the "fortress of joy!"

You are a miracle!