Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.
While we live in this world in which sadness, stress and grief are almost everywhere, true joy is hard to find. Where should we find our joy? We can find complete joy only in our Lord Jesus Christ. In many instances, the Word of God directs us to find joy in our hope in God. For example, Psalm 16 mentions finding joy in God’s presence, Philippians 4 instructs us to rejoice in the Lord, and John 15, tells us that Jesus gives His complete joy to us.
It is important to practice joy in our lives, even when we are not feeling happy. This does not mean we should fake or hide our emotions. Instead, it means that we have joy from knowing Jesus and we can demonstrate it in all of our circumstances. “Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy” (Philippians 4:4).
Our relationship with Jesus is our greatest joy. He gave His life for us so that we could have a relationship with Him. He gives us complete joy, which we simply cannot find apart from Him. His joy is a gift that believers accept and pursue no matter the location or situation.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NIV).
By Artur Ispiryan, Bible League Armenia staff
