Where Has the Joy Gone?
I hung up the phone and couldn’t help but wonder, “where has the joy gone?”
Like many people, my sister friend whom I was talking to on the phone was overpowered by her stress and grief that joy was nowhere to be found. She had the life that she had always dreamed of; a loving husband, amazing kids that adored her, a good job and a beautiful home. She had it all, except joy. “I don’t know where my joy is?“, she explained.
My heart hurt, not just for my friend on the phone, but for all those people that are just like her; those trying to live a life without joy. When circumstances cause discouragement, even depression, it can be difficult to rejoice and find joy.
The Bible says that “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” (found in Nehemiah 8:10)
Here in the book of Nehemiah, the Jews had returned to their land after the Babylonian exile. The temple and walls had been rebuilt and upon their return to their villages they decided to set up a place for everyone to gather. It was here that Ezra began to read the Scriptures. The people listened intently as they had not heard the Scriptures in a long time. As they listened, they began to weep because they realized that they had not kept the law and had become disobedient to God. Ezra spoke to them and told them that this was not a time to weep but rather, a day for rejoicing.
(Nehemiah 8:10) “Nehemiah continued, ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'”
I too, have been like my friend and the Jewish people, while everything is going good I just can’t find my joy. It isn’t that our joy can’t be found but rather, we aren’t looking in the right place. Joy cannot come from relationships, careers or possessions. True joy can only come from the Lord. When we have the joy that only the Lord gives, we can be nothing but strong.
Perhaps you have asked the same question my friend asked, “I don’t know where my joy is”? You may not feel very strong today but I encourage you to look to the Lord and rejoice no matter what your circumstances are. When you do, I’m pretty sure you will find exactly where you put your joy!
BLESSINGS. Laurie
@copyright2018 laurieadams
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Powerful message, Laurie. You are right; joy does not come from possessions, but true joy comes from the Lord.
It seems like so many Christians are living joyless lives. It is so true what you said, when we can’t find our joy it’s because we’re not looking in the right place. Thank you for sharing.