The joy of the Lord is my strength.

There are times I don’t “feel” joy.

There are times it feels so elusive and, for those in the midst of deep grief, even more so.

But in those difficult moments in my life and yours, we must, even if trembling, intentionally choose that which is not felt: HIS joy.

For those experiencing a gaping loss, the only way to experience joy is choosing to rest in Christ and lean on His strength; a choosing that can feel like a raging battle.

The longing for that which has been lost in any way may not change, but our ability to be comforted and strengthened by Holy Spirit in that moment cannot be denied.

Joy may be remembering with tears; yet, in those tears, giving thanks to the Lord for the sweetness of those moments that make up our memories.

Joy may simply be one step in front of the other; doing “the next thing.”

Joy may be intentionally choosing to forgive and pray for the one or ones who have hurt us.

Joy may be clinging to specific truths and promises in His Word and singing out songs of praise and worship when we struggle to “remember” His goodness.

Joy may be giving our deepest concerns to the LORD and learning to rest in His sovereign ways and plans, knowing He is good even when “what is” doesn’t feel good.

For the joy of the Lord is not based on circumstances; it is not an emotional happiness.

Rather it is a steadfast hope, a true assurance, the ability to stand and settle on the surety of His presence and care.

It is the rest that comes from recognizing who He is and how He is able to comfort.

He is our Creator, our Sustainer, our Comforter, our Savior, the Rock on which we stand and in whose shadow we abide.

When friends fail us.

When we have failed.

When close family hurts us.

When the finality of death weighs so heavy.

When “sorrows like sea billows roll.”

In Christ, it is well.

In Christ, it is His joy that brings us strength.

It is His joy that helps us forgive.

It is His joy that helps us ask for and receive His forgiveness, putting off the old for newness of life.

It is His joy that enables us to not fear.

It is His joy that allows us to grieve deeply but with hope and assurance.

It is His people that He often uses to remind us of truth and help us experience that joy as we “encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today.'” (Hebrews 3:13)

And, we can “set our eyes on Jesus, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross,” * as we endure any level of sadness or wound in great anticipation of our soon and coming King.

We can, in Christ, live in that steadfast hope, amidst any tears but also experience it more deeply in the midst of sweet times of delight!

And we can settle into that perfect joy and rest that cannot be shaken.

For truly, the joy of the LORD is the strength of those who trust Him with all of life regardless of our feelings.””

“Those who look to Him are radiant with joy…” (Psalm 34:5, BSB)

If I can pray for you in any way, I would count it a privilege and a joy, to “encourage you… while it is still called ‘Today.'”

“…the joy of the LORD is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10

“But none of these things move me… so that I may finish my race with joy… to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes it’s boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!

I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all of my fears.”

Psalm 34:1-4, ESV

*Hebrews 12:2

Photo credit: Mili Cook