“…… the joy of the LORD is your strength.”- Neh. 8:10
Over the years I have lost many things due to various reasons. In some cases it was no big deal, but in other instances it brought tears to my eyes. The good news is that I’ve never lost anything I couldn’t live without. As much as I wanted those things I could survive without them.
In addition to things, as we get older we suffer losses of a different sort– strength, flexibility, hearing, eye sight, etc.– things we can’t do anything about. But today I’m talking about something we can control. Have you ever thought about the seriousness of losing your joy? It’s no minor matter – “the joy of the Lord is your strength” ( Neh. 8:10). That being the case, we are weak if we lose our joy. That puts us in great danger. It makes us susceptible to sin. Without the strength of joy we cannot escape temptation, or endure trials.
Sadly many fail to see how serious this is. They recognize the loss of other things as a serious matter, but when it comes to the loss of joy they act as though it is no big deal. But it is a big deal. The loss of joy affects you and others. It can destroy your testimony and your ability to witness effectively to others. They need to see the difference Christ makes in a person’s life.
If you’ve lost your joy do whatever is necessary to regain it. If it is due to sin, confess it. If it is due to other factors, spend as much time as possible in the Word and prayer. Don’t ignore it. Rest assured that God desires and demands you to be joyful, and He will make it possible. Of all our many needs, joy is high on the list. You need joy more than fortune, fame, and a host of other things often sought. Doing what it takes to be a joyful Christian is worth it. You can gain everything your heart desires, but without joy it is worthless. It’s something you can’t do without. And knowing it is possible should encourage you to pursue it. Joy is within the reach of every Christian. Don’t live without it! — HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
