"...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10b

We are to be a joyful people unto the Lord depending on and living out from our wonderful Lord. How can we not be when we have His promise, "...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

So often when we are being pressed by some circumstance that surrounds us, when all seems dark and fearsome; there are no thoughts of joy. Instead we cry out, 'Why me, Lord?' 'Why this?' 'Why now?' Our first thought is, how am "I" going to handle this situation. Of course, our focus is wrong.

Psalm 16:11 says,
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy..."

If this is so, then to focus on "I" is not seeing with a single eye. Our vision is blurred. Often we sing,
  "Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
   Look full in His wonderful face,
   And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
   In the light of His glory and grace."
So, if we KEEP our eyes on Jesus, He then is the focus and we see all things as from His hand.

Jesus said,
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."  John 15:10-11 And in Jesus' prayer to the Father, "...that they may have My joy made full in themselves." John 17:13

The joy we are speaking of is not that of the world, it is Jesus' joy! The joy of the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever. It is an abiding, everlasting joy. So what is it? For me, it is that confident assurance that God is in control and all is well.  It is knowing that, "...God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (My emphasis).

It is God, who is Love, who has said,
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18

Where is this joy to be found? Look at Psalm 16:11 again, "...In Thy presence is fullness of joy..."

Romans 14:17 tells us that,
"...the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
The kingdom of God right here on earth! As we live out from Christ who is our righteousness, who is our peace and where the peace of Christ is there is joy. Hallelujah!

So let us,
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting." Psalm 118:1 And praise His Holy Name forever! Amen