The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Joy during trials

A calm delight, gladness, and a great pleasure that is within your innermost soul, that’s the Joy of the Lord. This joy is from the Holy Spirit, and please don’t confuse it with happiness.   James 1 tells us to consider it pure joy when we encounter various trials. ”Are you crazy! Have joy during my trials?”  Yes, when it is the joy of the Lord!

A long time ago, Ezra was reading the newly discovered word of God to everyone in Jerusalem. The listeners were saddened because they had been disobedient without realizing it. Ezra and Nehemiah were comforting & reminding them that the joy of the Lord is your strength. So even though it seems to be a conundrum, we can have joy during difficult times, and it will strengthen us.

Truly, Jesus wants us to have HIS joy, and we can!  He said to obey, and we will remain or abide in Him. Then, we will be full of joy!  I don’t know about you, but I want a lot of joy, not just a little bit.  

“If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love…  These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:10-11

In my 2^nd pregnancy, a test indicated that my son would have Down’s syndrome, an ultrasound confirmed this, and the doctor told me to “eliminate my pregnancy”.  We absolutely rejected this idea! My doctor was aware, and as I was in labor, the NICU nurses were waiting for the birth, well I sang and praised the Lord, because it helped with the pain.  A nurse was surprised knowing what was ahead. I told her that the Lord was my strength, and it was going to be okay! Well, my son was born, & he did not have Down’s. You see, the joy of the Lord gave me strength!

A Joyful Heart is good medicine

Moreover, Joy can physically help us as we go through hard times. Prov. 17:22, NASB, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”  When we choose joy in our trials, we heal better. Please read this article : https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/laughter-is-the-best-medicine. Science is just confirming what the Lord already told us.

To conclude, I want to stress that the joy we have talked about only comes from the Spirit of God. Sure, people can experience joy, but not in its fullness. You see, joy is the Holy Spirit’s fruit.  Joy will grow in our life as we live by the Spirit.

Please consider reading my daughter Sarah’s article about patience as we continue sharing about the Fruit of the Spirit. https://mustardtrees.com/2025/04/08/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-is-patience-patience-will-give-you-strength/