Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
"And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." - Nehemiah 8:10b
In the book of Nehemiah, when the Israelites returned from captivity and rebuilt Jerusalem's walls, we find in the first verses of Nehemiah 8 that they convened to have the law read publicly. A priest and scribe, Ezra, read, and the people wept bitterly upon hearing the words of the law. However, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encouraged them to be happy and said to them, "And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10, ESV). Today, we can also take heart from the fact that our strength lies in the Lord.
Joy is not merely a feeling; it is a firm belief grounded in our walk with God. When we accept the joy of knowing and loving the Lord, we are strengthened by Him to make that next move in overcoming the hindrances of life, which always divert and discourage us from living according to the Lord's plan and purposes for our lives. This joy of the Lord transcends circumstances and helps us to overcome fear, discouragement, and doubt.
As you go about your day, seek the Lord. When you are facing discouraging circumstances, pause for a moment and consider His goodness. Friends, we must rejoice in the Lord and be grateful for the blessings that surround us. I pray you invite the Holy Spirit to work in your life, filling your heart with His joy, transforming you spiritually, and reviving your spirit as you trust the Lord and receive all He has for you.
Today, I pray that you choose joy and lean into the power of the Lord. Remember: He delights in you and calls on You to trust in Him. While reading and preparing to write to you today, two songs came to mind that I would like to share with you: a Children's Song we sing in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, "The Joy of the Lord," and the second is a traditional Hymn, "Only Trust Him." May these songs and God's Word be used in your heart to encourage others and spread His love.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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