Nehemiah 8:10 ..for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength." The life that God has given us is expressed in joy. Our Lord Jesus lives in an atmosphere of joy, rejoicing, praise, and thanksgiving. This is the lesson I have learned during the past few years. In the past, I knew that I was forgiven and that I had endured, consecrated, and obeyed the Lord. But I felt somewhat bitter, and there were some small complaints. I could not thank and praise the Lord. Whenever we cannot thank and praise Him, we are defeated.

Our victory is found in our joy. Whenever we throw away our joy and rejoicing, we throw away our victory as well. Whenever we throw away our joy and rejoicing, we become bound. We must realize that joy affords strength. Whenever we are not joyful and rejoicing, we are depressed. We have to maintain our victory in joy and rejoicing. Victory is like a fish which must be kept in water. Victory has to be kept in joy and rejoicing. We should maintain our victory in joy and rejoicing.

Precious Heavenly Father,your life is a joyful and rejoicing life. What a joy to be a Christian. I can always rejoice in You. Your joy is my strength. No matter what problems surround me, I can be joyful in You. Amen.