“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
There’s a certain kind of quiet that shows up when the holiday season starts winding down. The music fades, the busy days slow down, and sometimes that’s when grief tries to speak the loudest. It’s like the world gets still enough for our hearts to feel everything we’ve been holding back.
But today’s reminder is simple and strong: my joy doesn’t come from my own strength. If it did, I’d be in trouble—because my feelings can change by the hour. Some days I’m motivated and thankful… and other days I feel heavy, tired, or unsure.
That’s why this verse matters so much to me: the joy of the Lord is my strength. Not “my joy.” Not “my perfect attitude.” Not “my ability to stay upbeat.” God’s joy. Something steady. Something unshakable. Something that doesn’t disappear just because my mood dips or my life feels complicated.
When I serve the Lord with joy, I’m not pretending life is perfect. I’m choosing to trust that God is present anyway. And I believe that kind of joy becomes a shelter—like God covering me when my mind feels cloudy and my heart feels worn out.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me serve You with real happiness and joy. Let Your joy be my strength when I feel weak, uncertain, or overwhelmed. Use my life as a testimony in a world that feels lost and discouraged. In Jesus’ name, amen.
— Josh Bridges
YOU {R} NOT ALONE YOU HAVE A VOICE! 