Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV) 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
God’s word is true.
We must understand this principle as something that is foundational to our walk with God. If we get this right, many other pieces of the “puzzle” will fall into place more readily.
Knowing that His word is true, we must take what it teaches us at face value.
Yes, there is symbolism in the word of God. But we should always look at it literally first and weigh it that way until we can better understand the symbolism that may be present.
The word says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We know that this is true because God’s word says it is so.
Considering this, we must be sure we understand what joy is, versus what we may simply perceive as happiness.
Joy and happiness.
Joy is rooted in our faith in God. Although we may perceive joy to be a simple emotion, if we were to look at it more closely, we would see that joy comes with contentment.
In its simplest (Biblical) definition, joy is satisfaction with our situation despite what may be happening around us.
We can be experiencing the biggest trial of our life, yet we can be joyful knowing that everything about our lives is held in the hand of God.
Paul understood this and shared it with the Philippian believers, teaching that contentment is critical in this walk of faith.
Philippians 4:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Happiness, on the other hand, is rooted in emotions and earthly satisfaction.
We tend to look for happiness in earthly things; accomplishments, material possessions, societal status, etc.
It is only when we truly understand that Joy found in Christ is the real deal that we stop seeking happiness and walk in joy that circumstances can never steal from us.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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